Idaho Department of Water Resources Director Dave Tuthill, asked why he made the decision to retire at the end of June, said, "It's a good time for the agency and a good time for me, too. ... I've been eligible for full retirement since last year. I did not want to retire and leave the agency holding the bag and pass on difficulties to my successor. We are blessed with a wonderful water year. The big issues have been determined. We've addressed the budget shortfalls, we have a strong plan to address those. It's a good time for somebody new to come on board."

Once he leaves the department, where he's had a 33-year career, Tuthill said he plans to open a small engineering consulting firm. "I'll be working for myself," he said."My plan is to start a one-person shop. I do not plan to work on the controversial issues that are before me now; that would be clearly inappropriate. But I do plan to work in water in Idaho and continue living in Boise." Tuthill, 57, said he's healthy and looking forward to a long private-sector career after his IDWR retirement. "I've enjoyed my career with water resources; I have greatly enjoyed the job of director," he said. "Some moments have been difficult, but we've survived those." He said he was pleased to see those moments become "few and far between" in recent months. "We have many, many issues that are out there to be addressed for small engineering firms," he said. "That's where I plan to work."

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