Turlock Irrigation District announced Thursday that Robert M. Nees, who has been with the District for 31 years, has been appointed to the post of Interim Assistant General Manager of Civil Engineering and Water Resources.

“With more than three decades of experience, Robert brings a broad background of management and a deep understanding of state and national water policy to the position,” said TID Interim General Manager Casey Hashimoto, who appointed Nees to the interim position.

Nees, currently TID’s director of Water Resources and Regulatory Affairs, will assume his new post on Nov. 8. Nees will be responsible for civil engineering functions, the Don Pedro Recreation Agency, water-related regulatory matters, and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license compliance. That last duty could be the most important, as TID is currently beginning the process to relicense Don Pedro Reservoir with FERC.

Nees will replace current AGM of Civil Engineering and Water Resources Jeff Barton, who will leave the district to take a new position at Knoxville, Tenn. based electric utility Tennessee Valley Authority. Barton has been with the District since 1996, and has held his current post since 2008.

Barton is the second member of TID’s leadership team to leave the district in as many months. Former TID General Manager Larry Weis departed Aug. 31 for the post of general manager at Austin Energy in Austin, Texas.

To contact Alex Cantatore, e-mail acantatore@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2005.