Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 781. This legislation honors and recognizes the life and work of Colonel Charles D. Maynard by redesignating lock and dam No. 5 of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System as the Colonel Charles D. Maynard Lock and Dam.

   Iwould like to first thank Chairman Oberstar and subcommittee Chairman Johnson, along with Ranking Member Mica and subcommittee Ranking Member Baker and Mr. Westmoreland of Georgia for their support and assistance in moving this bill from the Transportation Committee to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in a bipartisan manner.

   I am also pleased that this legislation has received the support and cosponsorship of the entire Arkansas congressional delegation. I would like to personally thank Congressman JOHN BOOZMAN, a Republican; Congressmen VIC SNYDER and MARION BERRY, Democrats. The entire Arkansas delegation in a bipartisan manner have come together in this legislation.

   Colonel Charles D. Maynard served our Nation with distinction as an engineer officer in World War II. Following the war, Colonel Maynard oversaw the Arkansas River Project in the early 1960s, which at the time was the most substantial and largest civil works project ever undertaken, ever undertaken, by Corps of Engineers. At the same time Colonel Maynard also oversaw the construction of Greers Ferry and Beaver Dams on the White River in Arkansas.

   Colonel Maynard was also the Little Rock Corps District Engineer in charge of construction of all locks and dams in Arkansas from 1962 to 1965. During that time he directed planning, design, and construction of 13, 13, locks and dams of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation Project.

   In addition to his work with the Corps, Colonel Maynard actively promoted the development of waterborne transportation in Arkansas and was appointed by three Governors to a prestigious position on the Arkansas Waterways Commission, where he served for 21 years. He also served as Chairman and President of the Water Resources Association of America, President of the Arkansas Basin Association, and he was a member of the Arkansas Basin Coordinating Committee.

   As a member of the Arkansas River Hall of Fame, Colonel Maynard provided congressional testimony in support of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, the Fourche Creek Flood Control Project, and the Montgomery Point Lock and Dam on behalf of various Arkansas associations and committees.

   In addition to his numerous accomplishments in waterways, Colonel Maynard was also a dedicated citizen who served in a variety of community and civic roles in the State of Arkansas. These included his service as the United States Savings Bond Coordinator for Arkansas for 10 years, the Campaign Chairman for the United Way of Pulaski County, the Chairman of Central Arkansas Radiation Treatment Center, and President of the Little Rock, Arkansas Chamber of Commerce.

   Finally, Colonel Maynard's steadfast service on numerous boards and councils at the State and local level will never be forgotten. These include the Arkansas Arts Center, the Arkansas Symphony, and the Foundation Board of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

   The life and work of Colonel Charles D. Maynard were immensely important to not only the State of Arkansas but to the entire Nation. This resolution will write into history Colonel Maynard's countless contributions. As such, I am proud to sponsor a resolution that commemorates his life's work and achievements by redesignating Lock and Dam No. 5 of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System as the Colonel Charles D. Maynard Lock and Dam. I urge my fellow colleagues to vote in favor of this worthwhile legislation today.