MonticelloLive

The Monticello Economic Development Commission met in regular session Wednesday at noon at UAM.

Mr. Derrill Pierce was remembered with appreciation for his work with the MEDC. 

The MEDC was updated on the status of construction of the new Centers for Youth and Family, and briefed on it’s employment potential.  

Monticello’s Farmer’s Market was mentioned.  It started in early June, last year.

President Bush has signed the omnibus bill, thus providing funds for Southeast Arkansas projects such as $339,606 for forestry research at UAM, $421,506 for facilities and equipment for Drew Memorial Hospital, and $2,626,400 for planning and construction of I-69 including the Great River Bridge near Arkansas City.

Linda Jones was introduced as the new executive assistant for the MEDC.

The airport update informed the group that the new hangar should be delivered by March, with adequate construction time to follow.

The deployment of Monticello’s 39 earlier the day before the meeting was covered in the Director’s Report, by Truman Hamilton.

The plans for “20 for the Future” were discussed, as well as the positive effects of their trip to Washington D.C., last year.

Other items discussed at the meeting were UAM report, by Chancellor Jack Lassiter, Public Facilities Board report, by Catherine Collier, a grant process update from Clements and Associates, that pertains to improvements on the MEDC office, a report on the status of the Ridgeway Hotel project, and a Drew Memorial Hospital report by administrator Richard Goddard.  Several of these reports will be detailed in follow-up articles, here on MonticelloLive.com during the next week, as I’m able to get more details.