Arkansas Delta Getting Millions in New Investments
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: November 21, 2012
The Arkansas Delta is getting millions in new investments.
The resources aimed at the region's small business owners, entrepreneurs, and communities are designed to grow the Delta's economy and create jobs.
The Delta Regional Authority and Governor Mike Beebe today announced seven new investments. They range from building and rehabilitating public highways and water systems to constructing a workforce training center while also leveraging $1,435,720 in federal resources into $4,162,041 in total public and private investment for the Delta region, its people, and its future.
Chairman Chris Masingill said, "Working to grow the economy and create jobs is our number one commitment to the people of the Delta. These investments continue our commitment to paving the way for a better future, a better Delta."
Steven B. Jones, DRA Designee for Governor Mike Beebe, said, "This investment in the Arkansas Delta will go a long way in strengthening our infrastructure and creating jobs for our region. The Delta Regional Authority provides a unique vehicle that promotes the type of federal, state, and private partnership that's essential to forging a brighter future for our state."
"Investing in our infrastructure is a common-sense way we can boost job creation, economic development, and entrepreneurship in our state," Senator Mark Pryor said. "Today's announcement is great news for the Delta, and I look forward to working with the Delta Regional Authority as we continue to build opportunities in the region."
"These cooperative projects will spur private sector job growth and provide improvements the region needs to be successful," Senator John Boozman said. "These partnerships will help Arkansans improve their quality of life."
"I am proud to help announce these critical federal investments in the Delta region of Arkansas," said Congressman Mike Ross. "The Delta region continues to face some tough economic times. Federal dollars like these will help ensure our Delta communities have the resources, investments, and attention they need to strengthen the region's economy and enhance the quality of life for all who call the Delta region home."
"These targeted investments will not only help provide the basic infrastructure and workforce development tools needed to create jobs and grow the economy, but will also leverage private investment in our delta communities," Congressman Rick Crawford said.
"Our state's infrastructure plays a critical part in boosting our economy and encouraging private sector job creation," Congressman Tim Griffin said. "These projects will not only help the communities in which they're located, they'll benefit the entire Delta."
Arkansas City Street Paving, Arkansas City, AR (AR4): Paving of a street that will connect Arkansas City's original business district with the city's newest commercial establishment and city park. This infrastructure improvement will promote ecotourism within Arkansas City by providing access to many local amenities. DRA: $125,215; Total Project Cost: $160,215
Delta Center Water Delivery, Desha County, AR (AR4): Expansion of the water line to the newly constructed Delta Center sports and entertainment complex in Desha County. The expansion will provide ample and good quality water to the Center. DRA: $259,505; Total Project Cost; $287,473; (110 jobs to be created and retained)
Monticello Public Rail Access, Monticello, AR (AR4): Rehabilitation of existing railroad spur and extension of that spur from its current location into the Monticello Economic Development Commission Industrial Park, providing for the construction of a Public Rail Access Facility for existing and future industrial occupants. DRA: $275,000; Total Project Cost: $306,000; (195 jobs retained)
Port of Crossett Improvements, Crossett, AR (AR4): Improvements and upgrades to the infrastructure of the dock and dolphins at the Port of Crossett, expanding the capacity of the port to receive barges and attract more industries. These upgrades will repair damage from flooding and increase crew safety at the port. DRA: $200,000; Total Project Cost: $330,353
RIDC Infrastructure Project, Cleveland County, AR (AR4): Improvements to River Ridge Equipment's facility and access roads to accommodate increased traffic of heavy equipment and trucks for shipping and receiving as well as streamline re-manufacturing process. DRA: $120,000; Total Project Cost: $120,000; (27 jobs to be created and retained).
Trumann Innovative Workforce Development Center, Trumann, AR (AR1): Construction of the facilities for the Trumann Innovative Workforce Development Center, which will offer basic adult education classes and industry workforce training. The Center will also serve as a training center for for local industries. DRA: $206,000; Total Project Cost: $489,000 (320 industry professionals and local residents to be trained).
University Drive Infrastructure, Pine Bluff, AR (AR4): Relocation of existing overhead utilities to underground, providing an increased quality of place for US Highway 79B, University Drive. The project will improve safety, support local businesses, and contribute to an overall transportation goal of connecting visitors and tourists to cultural and recreational assets along the US Highway 79B corridor. DRA: $250,000; Total Project Cost: $1,900,000.
The resources aimed at the region's small business owners, entrepreneurs, and communities are designed to grow the Delta's economy and create jobs.
The Delta Regional Authority and Governor Mike Beebe today announced seven new investments. They range from building and rehabilitating public highways and water systems to constructing a workforce training center while also leveraging $1,435,720 in federal resources into $4,162,041 in total public and private investment for the Delta region, its people, and its future.
Chairman Chris Masingill said, "Working to grow the economy and create jobs is our number one commitment to the people of the Delta. These investments continue our commitment to paving the way for a better future, a better Delta."
Steven B. Jones, DRA Designee for Governor Mike Beebe, said, "This investment in the Arkansas Delta will go a long way in strengthening our infrastructure and creating jobs for our region. The Delta Regional Authority provides a unique vehicle that promotes the type of federal, state, and private partnership that's essential to forging a brighter future for our state."
"Investing in our infrastructure is a common-sense way we can boost job creation, economic development, and entrepreneurship in our state," Senator Mark Pryor said. "Today's announcement is great news for the Delta, and I look forward to working with the Delta Regional Authority as we continue to build opportunities in the region."
"These cooperative projects will spur private sector job growth and provide improvements the region needs to be successful," Senator John Boozman said. "These partnerships will help Arkansans improve their quality of life."
"I am proud to help announce these critical federal investments in the Delta region of Arkansas," said Congressman Mike Ross. "The Delta region continues to face some tough economic times. Federal dollars like these will help ensure our Delta communities have the resources, investments, and attention they need to strengthen the region's economy and enhance the quality of life for all who call the Delta region home."
"These targeted investments will not only help provide the basic infrastructure and workforce development tools needed to create jobs and grow the economy, but will also leverage private investment in our delta communities," Congressman Rick Crawford said.
"Our state's infrastructure plays a critical part in boosting our economy and encouraging private sector job creation," Congressman Tim Griffin said. "These projects will not only help the communities in which they're located, they'll benefit the entire Delta."
SPECIFIC INVESTMENT PROJECTS
Arkansas City Street Paving, Arkansas City, AR (AR4): Paving of a street that will connect Arkansas City's original business district with the city's newest commercial establishment and city park. This infrastructure improvement will promote ecotourism within Arkansas City by providing access to many local amenities. DRA: $125,215; Total Project Cost: $160,215
Delta Center Water Delivery, Desha County, AR (AR4): Expansion of the water line to the newly constructed Delta Center sports and entertainment complex in Desha County. The expansion will provide ample and good quality water to the Center. DRA: $259,505; Total Project Cost; $287,473; (110 jobs to be created and retained)
Monticello Public Rail Access, Monticello, AR (AR4): Rehabilitation of existing railroad spur and extension of that spur from its current location into the Monticello Economic Development Commission Industrial Park, providing for the construction of a Public Rail Access Facility for existing and future industrial occupants. DRA: $275,000; Total Project Cost: $306,000; (195 jobs retained)
Port of Crossett Improvements, Crossett, AR (AR4): Improvements and upgrades to the infrastructure of the dock and dolphins at the Port of Crossett, expanding the capacity of the port to receive barges and attract more industries. These upgrades will repair damage from flooding and increase crew safety at the port. DRA: $200,000; Total Project Cost: $330,353
RIDC Infrastructure Project, Cleveland County, AR (AR4): Improvements to River Ridge Equipment's facility and access roads to accommodate increased traffic of heavy equipment and trucks for shipping and receiving as well as streamline re-manufacturing process. DRA: $120,000; Total Project Cost: $120,000; (27 jobs to be created and retained).
Trumann Innovative Workforce Development Center, Trumann, AR (AR1): Construction of the facilities for the Trumann Innovative Workforce Development Center, which will offer basic adult education classes and industry workforce training. The Center will also serve as a training center for for local industries. DRA: $206,000; Total Project Cost: $489,000 (320 industry professionals and local residents to be trained).
University Drive Infrastructure, Pine Bluff, AR (AR4): Relocation of existing overhead utilities to underground, providing an increased quality of place for US Highway 79B, University Drive. The project will improve safety, support local businesses, and contribute to an overall transportation goal of connecting visitors and tourists to cultural and recreational assets along the US Highway 79B corridor. DRA: $250,000; Total Project Cost: $1,900,000.
