Washington – Legislation authored and passed by U.S. Representative Mike Ross (AR-04) to officially rename lock and dam number five of the McClellan – Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System as the Colonel Charles D. Maynard Lock and Dam, was signed into law Tuesday by President Bush.

“I am proud my legislation to honor Colonel Charles Maynard’s life and career has been signed into law,” Ross said. “Colonel Maynard’s lasting impact and dedication to Arkansas’s waterways will forever be remembered by the designation of the Colonel Charles D. Maynard Lock and Dam. I would also like to thank my colleagues in Arkansas’s Congressional Delegation for joining me to pass this legislation.”

Ross’ bill, H.R. 781, became Public Law No: 110-263. The Colonel Charles D. Maynard Lock and Dam is located on the Arkansas River Navigation System near Redfield, Arkansas.

Colonel Charles D. 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 by the Corps of Engineers.  At the same time, Colonel Maynard also oversaw the construction of the Greers Ferry Dam and the Beaver Dam on the White River in Arkansas.

Colonel Maynard promoted the development of waterborne transportation in Arkansas and was appointed by three governors to the prestigious 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. Colonel Maynard’s work was also recognized through his induction into the Arkansas River Hall of Fame.

U.S. Representatives Marion Berry (AR-01), Vic Snyder (AR-02) and John Boozman (AR-03) were original cosponsors of Ross’ bill, and U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor who were instrumental in helping pass the legislation in the Senate.

—30—