WARREN, Ark. – The Southeast Arkansas Intermodal Facilities Authority Board convened at the BCEDC Building in Warren, Arkansas, on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, to discuss significant economic development prospects for the region. During the meeting, Board member Nita McDaniel of Monticello presented a promising investment opportunity and discussed the potential growth of the Intermodal site.
In a report to the Board, McDaniel disclosed that in January, she received a request for qualifications from a company looking to invest between $300 million and $400 million. The company sought a substantial parcel of land, ranging from 100 to 500 acres, for its project. McDaniel diligently submitted multiple site options to the interested party, and the Southeast Arkansas Intermodal site emerged as the preferred location.
The proposed business venture has the potential to bring about 180 new jobs to the region, which would significantly contribute to the local economy and workforce.
At present, the Southeast Arkansas Intermodal site boasts approximately 350 acres of available space. To accommodate the prospective business, several utility requirements would need to be addressed. The installation of essential utilities such as high-speed internet and natural gas would be essential for the project’s success. The City of Monticello indicated its ability to handle wastewater discharge from the potential business, while electricity needs would be efficiently managed by C&L.
In addition to that development, the Board also discussed a substantial $250 million project which has identified the Intermodal site as its second preference.