KUA Board Chairman to Step Down

Under Larry Walter's leadership, the utility constructed a $136 million generating unit at its 1,076-acre Cane Island power plant as well as a $14 million electric substation in Buenaventura Lakes. He also presided over the launch of the utilitys Internet subsidiary, KUA.net.

KISSIMMEE, FL September 19, 2003 -- Larry W. Walter, a Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) board member for nine years, will preside over his last utility board meeting next Wednesday, September 24.

Walter joined the volunteer board in February 1994, filling the remainder of a five-year term left vacant by the resignation of local developer Wayne Schoolfield. Walter was elected vice chairman in October of that year. In 1998, he was appointed to a second term and elected board chairman. Walter leaves his post this month because of established term limits at the utility.

"Larry has played a critical role on our board during an exceptional period in KUA's history," said Jim Welsh, the utilitys president and general manager. "His insight and guidance have been invaluable."

Under Walters leadership, the utility constructed a $136 million generating unit at its 1,076-acre Cane Island power plant as well as a $14 million electric substation in Buenaventura Lakes. He presided over the launch of the utilitys Internet subsidiary, KUA.net, as well as the dedication of a restored steam whistle and painted mural at KUAs Roy E. Hansel power plant in downtown Kissimmee.

The vacated space on the board will be filled by Fred H. Cumbie, Jr., president of the law firm Overstreet Miles Ritch & Cumbie, P.A. Cumbie will be sworn in at the board's October 22 meeting and serve until September 30, 2008. An election of officers will also take place at the October meeting.

The utility's board of directors sets policy direction for the utility. Specifically, the board approves annual budgets, sets rates and approves major purchases. The board also directs a general manager who is responsible for day-to-day operations of the utility.

Founded in 1901, KUA is Florida's sixth largest community-owned utility serving 61,000 electric, water and Internet customers in five Central Florida counties.

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