APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE, WITTENBERG, DELONY & DAVIDSON, INC., House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. March 30, 1960. GENTLEMEN: As a director of the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce it has been my privilege to become somewhat familiar with the details of the Arkansas Basin development and in connection with this I wish to urge herewith that you respectfully consider the following recommendations: 1. The consideration of permanent bank stabilization funds in the amount of $9 million. It is understood that the Corps of Engineers will have the ability to schedule this amount of work. 2. That planning funds for the first of two locks and dams below Dardanelle be included. 3. That planning funds for the Ozark Dam be included. It is certainly understood that your recommendations will be after careful and considered opinion in connection with all of these items, and I will very much appreciate your favorable consideration of the items enumerated above. Yours very truly, GORDON G. WITTENBERG, President. BANK OF ARKANSAS, APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. Little Rock, Ark., March 29, 1960. GENTLEMEN: We here in Arkansas are vitally interested in the development of the Arkansas River Basin at the earliest possible date. It is my understanding from the Corps of Engineers that they could use to an advantage $9 million for bank stabilization at this time, whereas the request in the budget is for $5 million on an emergency basis. The rapid runoff at the headwaters of the Arkansas, Missouri, and their tributaries this spring points up the advantage and economy of bank stabilization. We also would appreciate your giving consideration for planning funds to start two of the dams to be located below Dardanelle, Ark., and also the dam to be constructed at Ozark, Ark. Many advantages have accrued to the people living in the upper Arkansas Basin due to the splendid work that has been done in this region by the Corps of Engineers. On the other hand it would appear to be false economy not to complete the work as rapidly as possible in the lower valley. Trusting that you will give this important undertaking your sincerest study and vote favorably, we are Yours very truly, APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE, DABBS SULLIVAN, President. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., March 30, 1960. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. GENTLEMEN: Please let me urge that the funds for bank stabilization of the Arkansas River be considered as a permanent, worthwhile project as a means of navigation and also as a means of loss of soil from erosion by the river. It is my understanding that the Ozark Dam in Arkansas is not even in an early planning stage and it seems that this could be started to expedite matters. To further expedite the matter it seems that simultaneous construction of downriver locks and dams would allow earlier completion and save a number of years of this investment. Your sincere consideration of this matter will be greatly appreciated. EDWIN F. GRAY, M.D. MARION L. CRIST & ASSOCIATES, INC., APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. ... 1 GENTLEMEN: In connection with the pending appropriation for the Arkansas Basin work, we respectfully call the following matters to your attention: At the present time all bank stabilization work on the Arkansas River is on an emergency basis and the President's budget presently requests $5 million for this work still on an emergency basis. The restriction of the channel of the Arkansas River for navigation can be accomplished much more economically while the flow of the river is uncontrolled than will be the case after the flow is controlled. Since such restriction of the river channel is essential to the navigation program, we believe it is commonsence to expedite the bank stabilization work so that the river itself will accomplish much of the cost of this work. We would respectfully request that bank stabilization funds in the amount of $9 million be appropriated for this purpose. In order that the navigation project may proceed in an orderly manner, the Little Rock District, Corps of Engineers, informs us that a minimum of $390,000 is necessary next year in planning funds for the first two locks and dams below Dardanelle. We respectfully request that you consider this appropriation. Similarly in the orderly development of the river, the Ozark Dam appears to be the next major project on the river in Arkansas. An appropriation of $200,000 in planning funds for Ozark Dam will provide for the planning at this time so that construction can proceed on schedule. Respectfully submitted. MARION L. CRIST, Engineer. ARKANSAS GEOLOGICAL AND CONSERVATION COMMISSION, APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. GENTLEMEN: Your careful consideration of budget requests, now under review, for funds to proceed with work on the Arkansas Basin navigation project is urgently requested. This office is, by appointment from the Governor, the State agency responsible for officially receiving and reviewing all reports on flood control, navigation, etc., projects in accordance with the provisions of Public Law 534, 78th Congress, 2d session, and Public Law 14, 79th Congress, 1st session. We have followed the progress of the Arkansas Basin project as it has been planned by the Corps of Engineers. It is our belief that the work of construction should now proceed with all possible speed. We feel that the expeditious development of all of our natural resources and particularly this navigation work on the Arkansas River will result in greatly increased internal security for our Nation. In addition to necessary construction funds being considered for portions of the project already under construction in Arkansas and Oklahoma, the following budget items are most desirable: 1. For permanent bank stabilization, the sum of $9 million. This will be an increase of $4 million over the amount considered in the preliminary budget. 2. Planning funds for structures below Little Rock are needed. The sum of $390,000 is desired. The portions of the project not yet under construction should be progressively planned so that the construction can proceed in an orderly manner. It is our understanding that the Corps of Engineers is ready to develop final plans for downstream structures below Little Rock. 3. The sum of $200,000 is requested for initiating planning on the Ozark Dam in Arkansas. Very truly yours, CHAIRMAN, APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. LEONARD N. WHITE, Engineer. J. A. RIGGS TRACTOR Co., Little Rock, Ark., March 23, 1960. DEAR SIR: We respectfully invite your consideration of requests for appropriations to speed up the construction program on the Arkansas River. Bank stabilization work on this river should be immediately placed on a permanent basis and should not be recorded as an emergency measure. An additional $4 million is needed in the next fiscal year by the Corps of Engineers for this work. An annual program of approximately $9 million per year is needed to do this work on the most economical basis, and to materially reduce the overall cost of the entire project. The executive committee of the Arkansas Basin Association will appear before you to request the above figure for the next budget, and will also request planning funds for two locks and dams on the river below Little Rock, which the Corps of Engineers feel is a next important step in the comprehensive program of development. This committee will also request funds for the planning of the Ozark Dam near Ozark, Ark., which is another important link in the development program. These requests are asking for nothing new; we are asking only for essential appropriations to speed up the Arkansas River program. The earlier it is completed, the less it will cost in the long run, and the quicker the benefits will return to the Nation the entire investment in this important program. Sincerely, APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. J. A. RIGGS, Jr., President. REBSAMEN & EAST, INC., Little Rock, Ark., March 29, 1960. GENTLEMEN: In view of many years of association with chamber of commerce work, I have long been interested in the studies that have been made with reference to the feasibility of the Arkansas Basin becoming navigable. This is a rich and important area in Arkansas and extends on into Oklahoma. Let me urge that funds be appropriated in order that the Corps of Engineers may undertake the accomplishment of this practical dream. Sincerely yours, JACK EAST, Jr. APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. REBSAMEN MOTOR CO., Little Rock, Ark., March 29, 1960. GENTLEMEN: It is important to the economy of the State of Arkansas that the Arkansas Basin become navigable at the earliest possible date. Since planning was completed and feasibility reports accepted a long time ago, and the Corps of Engineers is ready, able, and willing to undertake this work, it appears that as a matter of convenience and necessity to the public essential appropriations are indicated. Sincerely yours, RAYMOND REBSAMEN. ROSE, MEEK, HOUSE, BARRON & NASH, APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. GENTLEMEN: It has come to our attention through the medium of newspaper, television, chamber of commerce reports, and other sources that consideratiion is being given to the appropriations for the Arkansas Basin. We believe that the development of the Arkansas Basin is most important to the economy of a large portion of southern United States and, therefore, of great importance to the country as a whole. Accordingly, we earnestly urge your favorable consideration of the following: 1. The United States Corps of Engineers states that it is able to schedule permanent bank stabilization funds in the amount of $9 million, and this full amount should be appropriated. The need for such work has been established and the work should not be delayed. 2. Planning should be undertaken immediately for the construction of the first two locks and dams below Dardanelle. The corps states that $390,000 will cover both projects, and it is urged that this work should be done at this time in order to plan the orderly development of the basin. 3. Congressman Trimble has recommended that $200,000 should be included as planning funds for the Ozark Dam. We understand that he and others have given considerable study to this project and that this is their considered judgment. Accordingly, we endorse it. We have had occasion to discuss these several items with businessmen and others in this area, and these projects do have the strong approval of the public. Yours very truly, WILLIAM NASH. THE KROGER Co., APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEK, North Little Rock, Ark., March 29, 1960. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. GENTLEMEN: As a resident of the State of Arkansas, in which we operate a chain of retail food stores, we naturally are interested in the economy and progress of the State. I would like to call your attention to the appropriation for the Arkansas Basin, and urgently request your support and consideration of the requested amount. I make reference to the projects listed below, and the amounts involved: 1. Permanent bank stabilization funds___ 2. Planning funds for first 2 locks and dams below Dardanelle_- 3. Planning funds for Ozark Dam___. $9, 000, 000 390, 000 200, 000 On behalf of myself and our entire organization, we offer our sincere thanks for your consideration. Sincerely, H. L. LINDSAY. UNION NATIONAL BANK, APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. GENTLEMEN: This letter is respectfully addressed to you with reference to your deliberations concerning requested appropriations for development of the Arkansas River Basin. Representing this institution and as a private citizen, I earnestly request your favorable consideration for 1. A $9 million appropriation for permanent bank stabilization. 2. A $390,000 appropriation to provide funds for planning the first two locks and dams below Dardanelle, Ark. 3. A $200,000 appropriation to provide funds for planning Ozark Dam. The technical and engineering features of these projects are well known to you. The development of the vast natural resources of the Arkansas River Basin is greatly important, not only to Arkansas and Oklahoma, but to the long range well-being of the entire nation. Your consideration will be appreciated. EARL L. MCCARROLL, Vice President. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., March 29, 1960. APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. GENTLEMEN: For many years I have been vitally interested in the development of the Arkansas River. We need permanent bank stabilization funds in the amount of approximately $9 million as well as planning funds for two locks and dams below Dardanelle, Ark. These plans should cost in the neighborhood of $390,000. Also, planning funds for the Ozark Dam should be appropriated in the amount of approximately $200,000. Yours truly, SAMUEL C. ROWLAND II. U.S. ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT LITTLE ROCK, ARK., March 24.-(Special.)-Brig. Gen. William Whipple, Southwestern Division Army engineer, Dallas, Tex., today reported the naviga tion system on the Arkansas River between its mouth and Catoosa, Okl be constructed with 19 locks and dams instead of the 24 or more pre considered, with a possibility that even one less will be required. ( Whipple spoke before the Arkansas-White-Red Basins Interagency Comm study and coordinating group composed of representatives of seven I agencies and of the eight States in which the three river basins are loca A specially invited group of Little Rock citizens heard General Whipp point the locations of two of the dams, above and below Little Rock, whi form a pool about 17 miles long. General Whipple reported progress on all the major projects in the Ar River plan and said the last principal contract on the four large multip pose dams will be awarded by the end of May this year. "The signal accomplishment during the year has been planning rathe construction. We were confronted by two problems, the route to be fo below Pine Bluff, which has been solved by going down river to Arkansa and how to maintain navigable depths in a river such as the Arkansas. has been resolved through analyses and model studies of the sediment pr In the end, we arrived at a new concept and a new plan and found that: experts and others concerned, agreed on it, both as to principle and as to d General Whipple said. "The present concept is a combination of contraction works and other c improvements which permits us to space dams farther apart. We are eliminate three dams between Dardanelle and Arkansas Post and anot the mouth of the river. Nineteen structures, instead of 24 or more, T needed. There is a possibility that one of these may not have to be General Whipple continued. The navigation pool at Little Rock will be between river miles 172, a miles upstream from the Main Street Bridge across the river, and 154.4, 10 miles downstream from the bridge. The dam at the upper end of the po be north of Cammack Village, locatel in the extreme western section of Rock, while the dam at the lower end of the pool will be east of the Sweet community, just upstream from the outlet of Old River Lake. General Whipple said the exact locations of all the dams might vary s with further studies of the river. The general features of the locks and generally have been fixed but some minor changes in site location and pool may be required. With funds available, planning will be continued and construction on a downstream from Little Rock probably will begin in 1964. The locations of the dams between Dardanelle and Pine Bluff, the lifts locks, and elevation of the pools formed by the dams follow: STATEMENT PRESENTED BY BRIG. GEN. WILLIAM WHIPPLE, CORPS OF ENGIN AT THE MARCH 22-24, 1960, MEETING OF ARKANSAS-WHITE-RED BASINS I AGENCY COMMITTEE AT LITTLE ROCK, ARK. ARKANSAS RIVER MAIN CONTROL PLAN I am able to report to you today a major turning point as regards the mul purpose plan for the Arkansas River. Although funds to initiate parts of work have been appropriated annually since 1955, there has persisted a deal of doubt and uncertainty about the project. Slow progress in gettin construction underway has led many to wonder whether it might not be a generation before the project could be completed. Moreover, the more info among you have known that the Corps of Engineers did not have a firm and nite plan to complete the navigation structures below Dardanelle; althoug were sure it could be done within certain limits, we certainly didn't know was the best way. Last month for the first time we were able to complet full outline. |