Recognizing Robert Wilkins for His Service to Southern Illinois

Floor Speech

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Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Robert Wilkins for his service to Southern Illinois. Bob was hired by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1973 and served as the Operations Manager at the Carlyle Lake Project Office, Kaskaskia River Project and Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam over the years.

During his nearly 47 years of service, Mr. Wilkins was involved with working groups including the Kaskaskia Watershed Association, Carlyle Lake Association, Lower Kaskaskia Stakeholders and Okaw River Basin Coalition. These groups consist of federal and state agencies, community leaders and stakeholders who develop solutions to service the Kaskaskia Watershed, which covers about 10 percent of Illinois.

Bob's efforts to obtain funding for the operation and maintenance of the lock and dam and the support of commercial towing on the Kaskaskia have allowed Southern Illinois Transfer, Kaskaskia River Terminals, and Kaskaskia Shipyard to expand commercial navigation on the river. To commemorate his work, including 20 years as operations manager of the Kaskaskia River Project and Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam, the shipyard has named the next vessel in the retractable wheelhouse towboat series after Bob.

Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Mr. Robert Wilkins on this momentous occasion. I thank Bob for his service to our Southern Illinois communities and congratulate him on his retirement.

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