[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 181 (Wednesday, November 15, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S17091]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. BREAUX:
  S. 1412. A bill to designate a portion of the Red River in Louisiana 
as the ``J. Bennett Johnston Waterway,'' and for other purposes; to the 
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.


        the j. bennett johnston waterway designation act of 1995

  Mr. BREAUX. Mr. President, I rise today, with respect and admiration 
for my colleague from Louisiana, the Honorable J. Bennett Johnston, in 
order to introduce legislation which will designate part of the Red 
River the ``J. Bennett Johnston Waterway.''
  Senator Johnston's diligence in serving the people of Louisiana for 
close to 30 years more than justifies this legislation and should be a 
reminder to those of us who have had the honor to serve in the Senate 
with him and to all who will serve here in the future what the word 
``service'' truly means.
  The work that Senator Johnston has done to rebuild and rejuvenate the 
Red River and the communities that depend on it exemplifies the 
strength of his leadership and his commitment to the economic 
development of Louisiana.
  For years, the many bends and excessive sedimentation in the Red 
River made it unnavigable to the barges and ships necessary for 
transporting local goods. The economy of the region that depended on 
the Red River became depressed.
  Senator Johnston has worked successfully for the last 22 years 
helping local communities and organizations obtain the funding 
necessary to create a modern waterway. As a result of this success, old 
and new businesses are moving back into the area, job opportunities are 
sprouting up again, and the hope that accompanied a new economic 
direction is taking root in the region.
  In fact, the Army Corps of Engineers estimates that $107 million in 
benefits will be generated annually and approximately 56,000 new jobs 
will be created in 40 years. Other benefits include cleaner water, 
improved and increased recreational use, the possibility of 
hydroelectric power in the future, and potential for greater 
agricultural utilization of the river.
  Local organizations and residents recognize the positive growth 
resulting from this project as well as the substantial role Senator 
Johnston played in making this growth a reality. In fact, it was local 
citizens who requested this naming legislation.
  The many people who have worked with Senator Johnston over the years 
know he was the key to this project's success and want to honor him for 
all that he has done to make the waterway a reality.
  Each time we navigate the river, each time we use it to recreate and 
each time we realize economic benefits from the river, we will forever 
be mindful of the man whose unyielding leadership and dedication made 
it all possible, my colleague, my friend, and my senior Senator, the 
Honorable J. Bennett Johnston.
                                 ______