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EUGENE W. WEBER
1910-1989
BY ROBERT L. SMITH
EUGENE W WEBER retired water resources engineer and plan-
ner, died on February 14, 1989, at the age of seventy-eight. Born
in Staceyville, Iowa, December 8, 1910, he obtained his engineer-
ing education at the University of Minnesota, where he received
a B.S. in civil engineering.
Elected to membership in the National Academy of Engineer-
ing in 1979, Gene had an internationally established reputation
in water resources planning. His primary career from 1931 to
1965 was spent in the service of the U.S. Army Corps of Engi-
neers. At his retirement from the corps, he was serving as both
special assistant, Chief of Planning, and deputy director, Civil
Works for Policy. Following retirement from the civil service, he
served as a consultant to various federal, state, en cl private
organizations and internationally with the Organization for
Economic Cooperation and Development.
There are four separate aspects of Mr. Weber's career that
deserve specific comment. DuringWorldWar II, he entered into
active service from his reserve status as a captain. Several years
later after service in Washington, London, Normandy, and Paris,
he returned to reserve status as a colonel. His active military
service, in keeping with his ensuing professional career, was
served with distinction. For his accomplishments he received the
Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation
Ribbon, and the French Crois-de-Guerre.
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MEMORIAL TRIBUTES
His career with the Corps of Engineers literally touched all of
the waters of this nation. He was a consummate team player, and
many of his contributions to the literature were emboclied in
committee reports. These ranged from professional organiza-
tional efforts, including National Research Council assignments,
to Presidential policy exercises. One of the most significant of
these efforts was titled Proposed Practices for Economic Analysis of
River Basin Projects. This 1950 report to the Federal Inter-Agency
Basin Committee, revised in 1958, came to be known as the
"Green Book." It became the foundation for federal project
evaluation practice. As such, it served as the forerunner for
subsequent congressional and executive policy documents in
this general arena. A detailed accounting of his many corps
assignments would demonstrate clearly that his overall engineer-
ing contributions have had a major influence on the Corps of
Engineers civil works program. Gene received numerous cita-
tions and honors for this portion of his career. Included were the
Rockefeller Public Service Award in 1963, the Department of
Army Exceptional Service Award in 1963, and the Department of
Defense Civilian Service Award in 1964.
For a quarter of a century, Mr. Weber served, concurrentwith
his corps responsibilities, a second major role for his country.
This began in 1948 when President Truman appointed him a
commissioner on the United States Section of the International
Joint Commission, United States and Canada. He continued in
this role until 1963, serving under five presidents. As a commis-
sioner, he became deeply involved in the problems of the
Columbia River, the St. Lawrence Seaway Project, and the Great
Lakes. In this role he became highly respected by both American
and Canadian interests for his objectivity and technical knowl-
ecige. Upon his resignation from the commission in 1973, the
Prime Minister of Canada presented him with a Certificate of
Appreciation for Outstanding Service. He also received the U.S.
Department of State Superior HonorAward, and in 1974 he was
the recipient of the "Can-Arn" Civil Engineering Amity Award.
Gene's professional efforts extended beyond the workplace to
numerous professional organizations. He was especially active in
the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) where he held
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EUGENE W. WEBER
283
several offices, including terms as president of the National
Capital Section, chair offour national committees, and member
of the national board of directors. In 1977 he received the ASCE
Julian Hinds Award for "distinguished service to water resources
planning," and in 1978 he was designated as an honorary
member of ASCE.
Gene Weber was a most dedicated individual. Both his coun-
try and his profession are the better because of his efforts. He was
one of those rare individuals who was equally at home discussing
engineering concepts or negotiatingwith nontechnical decision
makers.
Representative terms from entire chapter:
service award
