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Imperial Water District's General Manager Resigns

The Imperial Irrigation District's acting general manager has resigned amid fallout from an energy-trading scandal that resulted in losses of about $60 million.

EL CENTRO, Calif. (AP) -- The Imperial Irrigation District's acting general manager has resigned amid fallout from an energy-trading scandal that resulted in losses of about $60 million.

Elston Grubaugh, 54, assumed the job after Charles Hosken was fired in July and had been blocked by directors from implementing organizational changes. He declined to say why he was stepping down but said it was a voluntary decision.

"After much consideration and discussion with my family, I've decided to retire," he said.

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Grubaugh, who worked at the district for 17 years, called for adding project management positions in the water and power departments and creating a project management department, moves that his board rejected on Tuesday.

Mike Campbell, interim chief operating officer and information technology chief, will assume Grubaugh's duties, the district said Thursday.

The powerful irrigation district supplies farmers who produce about $1 billion worth of cattle and crops each year.