The plaque in memory of Samuel J. Ware II is located at the base of the Samuel J. Ware II Flood Prevention, Water Supply and Recreation Dam. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

HARRISVILLE — The North Fork Hughes River Dam was dedicated and renamed as the Samuel J. Ware II Flood Prevention, Water Supply and Recreation Dam on Thursday in memory of Samuel J. Ware II.

Ware, 55, of Parkersburg, passed away nine years ago.

Family members of Ware, sponsors, coworkers, and park staff gathered at the North Bend State Park Lodge to dedicate and remember the effort Ware put into his work.

“It’s such an honor for this dam to be dedicated in memory of Sam,” said his wife Katrina Ware. “In our eyes, he was exceptional, admirable, and one of a kind.”

Ware was employed as a civil engineer with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service for 33 years.

The Ware family stands beside the Samuel J. Ware II plaque on the Samuel J. Ware II Flood Prevention, Water Supply and Recreation Dam after the ceremony on Thursday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

Ware worked for years on the engineering of the dam and his plaque is located at the base of the structure which is tucked between the lake and forest.

“This moment means so much to us because the dam reflects not only his work but the kind of man he was,” said Jason Ware, the middle child of three. “My dad devoted decades of his life to this agency. He believed in working hard, doing things the right way, and having fun along the way.”

The construction of the dam prevented the rising of floodwaters in local residential areas such as Harrisville and Cairo. Ware worked on various flood prevention projects to build up state funding and address the flooding and water supply concerns. Construction of the dam began in the mid to late 1990s and was completed in 2002.

The dam height is about 86 feet tall and is made of roller-compacted concrete which contains less water. The dam was considered a relatively new design at the time and Ware would help other projects around the state. Katrina said he also worked in flood relief in places like Reno, Nevada.

“This dam has provided an absolutely critical role in this community, especially for Cairo,” said North Bend State Park Superintendent Kelsey Gilbert. “Especially with Cairo, the flooding had been detrimental so having that flood protection gives a little more peace of mind.”

The Samuel J. Ware II Flood Prevention, Water Supply and Recreation Dam located in North Bend State Park. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

Gilbert said Ware was able to provide the community protection and recreation. She said the lake and campgrounds draw in families who enjoy going out on the water or camping nearby knowing they’re protected.

“Obviously it’s a flood retention wall but knowing that protection is there and that Sam was able to provide that for the community is absolutely amazing,” she said.

The Samuel J. Ware II Flood Prevention, Water Supply and Recreation Dam is located on Park-Forest Route along the North Fork Hughes River.

North Bend State Park Superintendent Kelsey Gilbert speaks about how the dam has made a lasting impact on the community of Cairo during the dedication ceremony on Thursday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

The Samuel J. Ware II Flood Prevention, Water Supply and Recreation Dam stands at 86 feet tall and is constructed by roller-compacted concrete. (Photo by Amber Phipps)