The 50-year-old McClellan‐Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System strategically connects the heartland of the United States with the rest of the world. The versatile, 445-mile waterway is a crucial part of the nation’s transportation system providing navigation, as well as, hydropower, recreation, water supply and fish and wildlife habitats. The ageing infrastructure along the navigation system has withstood the test-of-time and continues to provide economic and environmental welfare to the region, nation and world.