MonticelloLive

The Monticello Economic Development Commission held its monthly board meeting last Wednesday, May 1 in the University Center at UAM. Arkansas Representative Alan Maxwell was a guest and shared the results and news from the recent session of the Arkansas legislature.

Maxwell reported that after nearly seven years of lobbying and joint effort by south Arkansas Representatives, the UAM Forestry Resource Center appears to have been green-lighted. It has received $4 million worth of funds to kick off the massive project which will enable UAM students to continue to being on the cutting edge of current forestry knowledge and future technologies, including bio-fuel studies. Maxwell related that he has also submitted a request to  Governor Mike Beebe’s for another $1 million for the project to be distributed from the governor’s discretionary fund. A total of $7 million is needed for the Forestry Resource Center project.

UAM was also a recipient of other funds, including a $1 million for technology upgrades.

Another major item that Maxwell and other Representatives worked for this past session was the acquisition of the Snow Lake rail. The rail line is no longer in use, and leaders from Monticello and surrounding areas have worked to try to have the rail appropriated for the rail line between Warren and Dermott. According to many, the rail is a key factor for industrial transportation and shipping, as it enables industry to connect to the Yellow Bend Port on the Mississippi River.

Maxwell said that there is still a need for support and “pressure,” specifically the U.S. Department of Transportation. A letter signed by eleven different agencies and entities was sent in support of the rail being acquired by south Arkansas. All the Arkansas Congressionl members and Senators have also been keep abreast of the initiative and are supportive.

Maxwell said, “We have to have a lot of people put a lot of pressure to get this done.”

Maxwell shared with the group of MEDC board members and guests that the 4th District, of which Monticello is a part, is the lowest participating congressional district in America regarding rural housing initiatives. Maxwell said that the federal monies already allocated for use in assisting low-income home owners in repairs and reconstruction goes largely unclaimed in the 4th District.

Bennie Ryburn III, president of the MEDC board, related that the MEDC had also been trying to stir up awareness and support for the affordable housing initiative. MEDC members have met with leaders from local churches to attempt to get local churches involved in helping identify prospects for home repair and to enlist church members who would be willing to assist home owners to negotiate the process required to get their home repaired.

In his report, MEDC Executive Director Derrill Pierce shared that the Ridgeway Hotel feasibility study continues and that things continue to look positive for the redevelopment of the structure into affordable housing units. He reported that the UAM School of Forestry will be working with the city of Monticello to develop a timber management plan for the acres of forest around Lake Monticello.

Richard Goddard, CEO of Drew Memorial Hospital shared with the group the ongoing growth of the hospital and revenue increases.

UAM Chancellor Dr. Jack Lassiter announced to the group that May’s commencement is the institution’s largest ever - with 441 students graduating.