Making something happen

— Last June, Gov. Mike Beebe kicked off a meeting of a coalition whose members seem determined to come up with a real economic development plan for far Southeast Arkansas.

In attendance were representatives from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas State University, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Southern Bancorp, the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, and other public and private entities.

Here was the governor’s charge to those attending the meeting: Do a better job coordinating the incentive programs and other efforts of your organizations. Focus not only on a specific area of the state, but also on designated private-sector business opportunities within that area. Try to make something actually happen rather than just producing reports.

Work has progressed since that meeting. A draft of the strategy plan being developed for the region reads in part:

“The mechanization of agriculture over the past century eliminated millions of farming jobs across the country and resulted in an out-migration of residents. Arkansas was certainly no exception to this societal transformation, which continues to this day in southeastern Arkansas.

“Although communities in the area have attracted small industries through the years, manufacturing employment remains relatively modest in this corner of the state. Given the rise of the global economy and current trend of out-sourcing jobs, prospects for additional industrial growth will be a challenge.

“For decades now, a long list of local, regional, state and national leaders and their consultants have searched for answers to the region’s economic woes. Every year or two another study is released, citing the usual litany of problems: chronic unemployment, lagging growth and anemic tax collections. The typical recommendations range from education enhancements to transportation projects to industrial parks.

“Unfortunately, little actual progress has been made by the various efforts to stimulate significant economic development in Arkansas’ southeastern corner.”

One thing I’ve learned in community development is that any city, county or region must begin by identifying and then building on existing assets. And please understand that there are some existing assets in Southeast Arkansas. The region borders the Mississippi River after all. The Audubon Society has identified two “important bird areas” there, Lake Chicot is the largest natural oxbow lake in North America and Lake Chicot State Park has undergone numerous improvements during the past decade.

There’s more. ASU has restored the Lakeport Plantation near Lake Chicot. It’s the only remaining Antebellum plantation home along the river in Southeast Arkansas. Arkansas Post, the first European settlement in the Mississippi River Valley, is managed by the National Park Service as a national memorial. The state, meanwhile, operates the nearby Arkansas Post Museum.

A spectacular bridge recently opened across the Mississippi River between Lake Village and Greenville. Parks and Tourism combined forces with the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department to open a 3,000-square-foot welcome center overlooking Lake Chicot. The G&FC has expanded its holdings in the area, including Choctaw Island, a prime wildlife habitat. Desha County has restored the historic courthouse at Arkansas City, and there already are several fine restaurants and retails shops in the Lake Village area.

It doesn’t hurt that House Speaker Robert S. Moore Jr. hails from Arkansas City and has a deep love for the area. He’s pushing hard for a coordinated effort. Seven potential projects have been identified as opportunities for sparking a revival of the region. They are: Redevelopment of the surviving buildings in the commercial historic district at Arkansas City. Possibilities for this old river port city include an antique shop, bed and breakfast inn, restaurant, live music venue and outdoors outfitter.

Establishment of a marina along the lower Arkansas River so boaters can purchase fuel, bait and supplies. The marina could lead to fishing resorts and guide services.

Redevelopment of the Lake Village commercial district. A bed-and-breakfast inn, restaurants and shops could draw travelers off U.S. 65 and 82 and into downtown. A driving tour could be established that would stretch from the Lakeport Plantation to Lake Chicot State Park, taking in Lakeshore Drive and the commercial district.

Further development of G&FC property for ATV tours, watchable wildlife programs and others services.

Development of a lodge at Lake Chicot State Park.

Locating a steamboat at Arkansas City to serve as a floating hotel aggressively marketed to tourists in surrounding states.

Paving the top of the Mississippi River levee from Arkansas City south to the Louisiana border to serve as a unique destination for tourists.

Government, of course, can’t do all of this. The coalition will have to put together a package of tax incentives that’s strong enough to convince entrepreneurs they can make money from the projects. At least, though, somebody is doing something other than just wringing his hands and talking about the good ole days.

Free-lance columnist Rex Nelson is the president of Arkansas’ Independent Colleges and Universities.

Editorial, Pages 17 on 02/19/2011

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