[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E912]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              75TH ANNIVERSARY OF WAPPAPELLO LAKE AND DAM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JASON SMITH

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 14, 2016

  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th 
anniversary of Wappapello Lake and Dam in Wayne County, Missouri. Lake 
Wappapello hosts 2.5 million people annually and has made an incredible 
impact on its surroundings.
  Senator John Overton proposed the Wappapello Lake and Dam project in 
June of 1936. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began the project in 
1938 and completed Wappapello Lake and Dam in 1941. It was constructed 
along the St. Francis River in order to provide flood control and 
hydroelectricity to southeastern Missouri.
  Wappapello Lake is one of five man-made lakes in the St. Louis 
District and is one of the nation's oldest Corps of Engineers projects. 
The project includes 44,000 acres of land and water, providing ample 
opportunity for water recreation. With largemouth bass, white bass, 
channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill atop the list, fishing is a 
great pastime for lake goers. Lake Wappapello State Park is located on 
the edge of the lake and is run by the Missouri Department of Natural 
Resources. The 1,854-acre State Park offers fishing, swimming, 
picnicking, and, lodging as well as trials for horseback riding, all-
terrain biking, and backpacking. The park also offers camping with both 
modern and traditional, rustic campgrounds.
  For the special place it holds in the hearts and lives of many in the 
community, as well as its place as a landmark in Wayne County, it is my 
pleasure to recognize the 75th anniversary of Wappapello Lake and Dam.

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