Several pending projects were discussed during Monday’s Bradley County Economic Development Corp. meeting.
Present were Chairman Dr. Bob Smalling and members Carlton Davis, Stacey Gorman, Hugh Allen Quimby, Jon Stone and John Lipton. Also present were Warren Mayor Gregg Reep, Hermitage Mayor Matthew Cathey and Bradley County Judge Klay McKinney.
Carlton Davis gave the financial report, which was approved.
By Tim Kessler
Saline River Chronicle Contributor
A resolution was presented in support of area highway projects. It has already been approved by the Southeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Facilities Authority board and the BCEDC board gave its approval. The mayors and county judge said they would present it to their respective bodies. Highway Commissioner David Haak will be invited to a joint meeting of the entities soon.
Smalling announced Arkansas Development Finance Authority was negotiating with a firm that would take over the J&E Food Group poultry facility. BCEDC’s Executive Committee sent a letter of support for the transaction and the board approved the Executive Committee’s decision.
Reep reported that paving of streets in the city will start soon, including use of city funds plus $400,000 from the American Rescue Act. The city is also addressing high speed Internet needs and is in the process of cleaning up several properties.
McKinney said he will meet with a surveyor about a possible land swap between BCEDC and Dr. Kerry Pennington. The swap would involve 45 acres of BCEDC property near the Sorrells sawmill in exchange for more developed property of Pennington along the railroad tracks that would total 10 acres.
Smalling said a prospect hoping to locate at that property would need storage space for up to 150 railroad cars.
Cathey said American Rescue Act funds paid for paving Wanda Lane and a $300,000 grant was used to pave West School Drive, North School Drive, East Fourth Street and Wood Street.
McKinney said a dedication ceremony will be held for the courthouse bell tower at 11 a.m. Oct. 3.
After an executive session attended by board members, Reep, Cathey and McKinney, the board reconvened in open session and approved a motion to give an access license agreement to a company to do a local assessment of BCEDC property, including soil tests.