The Economic Development Corporation of Clark County (EDCCC) on Monday officially broke ground on a 991-acre industrial site in Gum Springs known as the Southwest Arkansas Mega Site.
The $2.14 million project represents a joint investment from state and local entities, including a $1.013 million site development grant awarded through Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Site Development Program.
Bailey Construction of Little Rock is managing the project in Gum Springs. The company will oversee improvements including erosion control engineering and site certification to increase the site’s appeal for new and expanding businesses.
“This industrial site will play an important role in bringing new jobs to Clark County,” AEDC Executive Director Clint O’Neal said in a news release. “Companies want sites that are construction-ready, and these state and local funds put the community one step closer to having an excellent mega site that is among the top sites in the country.”
Previously marketed as the Clark County Super Site, the property was renamed as the Southwest Arkansas Mega Site to “elevate its visibility and appeal to national and international site selectors,” the release said. The new name aims to reflect the scale and potential of the site.
“Project-ready sites send a clear message that our community is serious about growth and ready to compete,” said Shelley Short, CEO of the EDCCC.
The Southwest Arkansas Mega Site is one of 13 projects awarded $10 million in total grants through AEDC’s Site Development Program. Eligible expenses include infrastructure extension, right-of-way and easement acquisition, soil analysis, grading, drainage improvements, due diligence studies, and other site enhancements necessary to compete for future investment.
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