Special Thanks to the Members of

Arkansas’s Five-Year Delta Development Plan

Working Group

Office of Governor Asa Hutchinson 

Governor Asa Hutchinson 

Robert Moery 

Arkansas Economic Development

Commission

Amy Fecher 

Jean Noble

Delta Regional Authority

Chairman Christopher A. Masingill

Central Arkansas Planning & 

Development District

Rodney Larson 

East Arkansas Planning & 

Development District

Melissa Rivers

Northwest Arkansas Economic

Development District

Joe Willis

Southeast Arkansas 

Economic Development 

District

Glenn Bell

Southwest Arkansas Planning 

& Development District

Renee Dycus

White River Planning & 

Development District

Van C. Thomas 

Office of Senator John Boozman

Office of Senator Tom Cotton

Office of Congressman Rick Crawford 

Office of Congressman French Hill

Office of Congressman Steve Womack

Office of Congressman Bruce 

Westerman
STATE OF ARKANSAS 

A S A H U T C H I N S O N 

GOVERNOR

Dear Economic Developer:

February 16, 2016

Rural Arkansas and the Delta, in particular, are experiencing fundamental economic 

changes. The region has suffered for decades from extreme poverty, population migration and an

eroding economic base. Federal programs tend to be inflexible, and local communities are often 

unable to meet the requirements these programs entail. We are looking at deeply rooted problems 

that require high-level answers. We must all put aside historical differences to ensure that a 

strategic plan for economic and social change will allow the Delta to become more competitive 

in the twenty-first-century global economy. 

Therefore, it is with pleasure that I present Arkansas’s Five-Year Delta Development Plan, 

which serves as a state-level companion to the Delta Regional Authority’s Regional Development 

Plan III. It should be thought of as a guide for local communities, economic developers, elected 

officials and planning and development districts throughout the Arkansas Delta seeking Delta 

Regional Authority Grant funding. 

Arkansas’s Five-Year Delta Development Plan sets funding criteria that allows flexibility 

and provides leverage for other dollars. Priority projects will be reviewed based on their 

relationship to a current economic and business development opportunity to create or retain jobs, 

provide regional impact, leverage collaborative public-private investment and meet critical needs 

of a local area. 

Raising prosperity levels in the Arkansas Delta has to start with partnerships at the regional 

level. Developed through group efforts to exchange information about the needs and priorities of 

stakeholders, this plan represents input from planning and development districts, congressional 

offices, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, representatives from higher education, 

and my office. It is with great pleasure that I present Arkansas’s Five-Year Delta Development 

Plan for the DRA in accordance with the Delta Regional Authority Act of 2000, as amended. I 

appreciate your continued dedication to improving the Delta for all people. 

Sincerely, 

Asa Hutchinson

STATE CAPITOL, SUITE 250 • LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201

TELEPHONE (501) 682-2345 • FAX (501) 682-3597

INTERNET WEB SITE • www.governor.arkansas.gov
Governor Asa Hutchinson

Amy Fecher, Designee and Alternate

Office of the Governor

State Capitol, Room 250

Little Rock, AR 72201

(501) 682-2345

governor@governor.arkansas.gov 

Senator John Boozman

1401 W. Capitol Ave 

Plaza F

Little Rock, AR 72201

Phone: (501) 372-7153

Fax: (501) 372-7163

http://www.boozman.senate.gov

Congressman Rick Crawford

2400 Highland Drive

Suite 300

Jonesboro, AR 72401

Phone: (870) 203-0540

Fax: (870) 203-0542

https://crawford.house.gov

Congressman Steve Womack

3333 Pinnacle Hills

Suite 120

Rogers, AR 72758

Phone: (479) 464-0446

Fax: (479) 464-0063

http://womack.house.gov

Senator Tom Cotton

11809 Hinson Road

Suite 100

Little Rock, AR 72212

Phone: (501) 223-9081

Fax: (501) 223-9105

http://www.cotton.senate.gov

Congressman French Hill

1501 N. University Ave

Suite 150

Little Rock, AR 72207

Phone: (501) 324-5941

Fax: (501) 324-6029

https://hill.house.gov

Congressman Bruce Westerman

101 Reserve Street

Suite 200

Hot Springs, AR 71901

Phone: (501) 609-9796

Fax: (501) 609-9887

https://westerman.house.gov
Arkansas Delta Region

Planning and Economic Development Districts

Central Arkansas Planning and

Development District

P.O. Box 300

902 Center Street

Lonoke, AR 72086

Phone: (501) 676-2721

FAX: (501) 676-5020

Email:

rodney.larsen@arkansas.gov

Executive Director: Rodney Larsen

4 DRA Counties Served: Lonoke,

Monroe, Prairie and Pulaski

Website: http://www.capdd.org

East Arkansas Planning and

Development District

P.O. Box 1403

2905 King Street

Jonesboro, AR 72403

Phone: (870) 932-3957

FAX: (870) 932-0135

Email: mrivers@eapdd.com

Executive Director: Melissa 

Rivers

12 DRA Counties Served:

Clay, Craighead, Crittenden,

Cross, Greene, Lawrence, Lee,

Mississippi, Phillips, Poinsett,

Randolph and St. Francis

Website: http://www.eapdd.com

Northwest Arkansas Economic

Development District

P.O. Box 190

818 Highway 62-65-412 North

Harrison, AR 72602

Phone: (870) 741-5404

FAX: (870) 741-1905

Email: jwillis@nwaedd.org

Executive Director: Joe Willis

3 DRA Counties Served:

Baxter, Marion and Searcy

Website: http://www.nwaedd.org

Southeast Arkansas Economic

Development District

P.O. Box 6806

721 Walnut Street

Pine Bluff, AR 71611

Phone: (870) 536-1971

FAX: (870) 536-7718

Email: glennbell@cablelynx.com,

Executive Director: Glenn Bell

10 DRA Counties Served:

Arkansas, Ashley, Bradley,

Chicot, Cleveland, Desha, Drew,

Grant, Jefferson and Lincoln

Southwest Arkansas Planning

and Development District

P.O. Box 767

101 Business Park Drive

Magnolia, AR 71753

Phone: (870) 234-4030

FAX: (870) 234-0135

Email: renee.dycus@arkansas.gov

Executive Director: Renee Dycus

4 DRA Counties Served: Calhoun,

Dallas, Ouachita and Union

Website: http://www.swapdd.com

White River Planning and

Development District

P.O. Box 2396

1652 White Drive

Batesville, AR 72501

Phone: (870) 793-5233

FAX: (870) 793-4035

Email: thomas@wrpdd.org

Executive Director: Van Thomas

9 DRA Counties Served: Fulton,

Independence, Izard, Jackson,

Sharp, Stone, Van Buren, White

and Woodruff

Website: http://www.wrpdd.org

For Statewide Technical Assistance, Contact:

Jean Noble

Arkansas Economic

Development Commission

9 0 0 W e s t C a p i t o l

Little Rock, AR 72201

(501) 682-1121

JNoble@ArkansasEDC.com
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 6

Table of Contents

A. Executive Summary 

1. About the Delta Regional Authority ....................................................................................8

2. Delta Regional Authority Funding in Arkansas ...................................................................9

3. A New Day in Arkansas ........................................................................................................10

4. Planning Synergies ...............................................................................................................11

5. Plan Development Overview ..............................................................................................11

B. Challenges and Opportunities: The State of the State 

1. Geography ............................................................................................................................13

2. Economy ...............................................................................................................................14

3. Infrastructure .......................................................................................................................16

4. Socio-Economic Indicators ............................................................................................16

C. Governor’s and State’s Goals, Priorities and Programs

1. Governor Hutchinson’s Priorities for DRA Funding ........................................................22

2. Governor Hutchinson’s Goals, Priorities and Programs ................................................23

D. Alignment of State Priorities with DRA Priorities and Implementation Plan 

1. Goal Alignment ....................................................................................................................27

2. Goal 1: Workforce ...............................................................................................................28

3. Goal 2: Infrastructure .........................................................................................................36

4. Goal 3: Community Competitiveness ...............................................................................40

E. Moving Forward 

1. Destination Delta ...............................................................................................................48

2. Adding Value to Existing Industries .................................................................................49

3. Improving Infrastructure Assets ......................................................................................49

4. Recruiting Industries that Match the Delta’s Unique Competitive Advantages .......50

5. Focus on Quality of Life ....................................................................................................50

Appendices 
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 7

A. Executive Summary
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 8

A. Executive Summary

1. About the Delta Regional Authority

Established by Congress in 2000, the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) works to improve regional 

economic opportunity through strategic investments to create jobs, build communities and improve the 

lives of the 10 million people who reside in the 252 counties and parishes of the eight-state Delta region.

The DRA supports job creation and economic development through innovative approaches to growing 

local and regional leadership, increasing access to quality healthcare and boosting opportunities for 

entrepreneurs to obtain affordable capital.

Through the States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP), DRA investments help to 

improve transportation and basic public infrastructure and to strengthen workforce development systems 

and local business environments by providing direct funding into community-based and regional projects 

that address the DRA’s congressionally-mandated funding priorities. Under Federal law, at least 75 

percent of DRA funds must be invested in economically-distressed counties and parishes. Half of these 

funds are targeted to transportation and basic infrastructure improvements. The remaining funds are 

directed to DRA’s other funding priorities of workforce development and business development with a 

focus on entrepreneurship.

Recognizing that economic development is defined by long-term prosperity and growth, the DRA sought, 

in developing its goals for its third five-year strategic plan (RDP III), to build upon the success of existing 

programs yet also widen the range of current activities with new initiatives to enhance the region’s 

infrastructure and workforce and community competitiveness. This, coupled with DRA’s dual imperative 

of innovation and resiliency - innovation and resiliency in program delivery in collaboration and in new 

approaches toward job creation - have produced these three strategic goals. 

 Figure 1: DRA Strategic Goals1

 

1 RDP III Delta Regional Development Plan III, Delta Regional Authority, pp. 7-9. Online at http://dra.gov/fundingprograms/strategic-economic-development-plans-by-state/

Goal 1: WORKFORCE COMPETITIVENESS

Advance the productivity and economic competitiveness of the Delta workforce.

Goal 2: INFRASTRUCTURE

Strengthen the Delta’s physical, digital and capital connections to the 

global economy.

Goal 3: COMMUNITY COMPETITIVENESS

Facilitate local capacity building within Delta communities, organizations, 

businesses and individuals.
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 9

2. Delta Regional Authority Funding in Arkansas

Since inception of funding in 2002, the DRA has provided $22,055,018 in SEDAP funding for 113 projects 

in Arkansas’s 42-county Delta Region. This has leveraged more than $535 million in public and private 

investment (See Appendix A).

2

Chart 1: DRA SEDAP Investment in Arkansas

Figure 2: FY 2009-2015 SEDAP Projects in Arkansas

 

2 Delta Regional Authority, Investments in the Delta, http://dra.gov/funding-programs/dra-investments-throughout-thedelta-1-1 /, DRA Press Release, NEWS: Delta Regional Authority, state and local partners invest $108 million into the Arkansas 

Delta economy, September 23, 2015, accessed 16 Nov 2015. 

$0

$500,000

$1,000,000

$1,500,000

$2,000,000

$2,500,000

$3,000,000

$3,500,000

$4,000,000

$4,500,000

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

DRA SEDAP Investment in Arkansas: 2002-2015

2002-2015: $22 million SEDAP funding
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 10

3. A New Day in Arkansas

On January 13, 2015, Governor Asa Hutchinson was inaugurated as Arkansas’s 46th elected Governor. 

In his inaugural address, Governor Hutchinson proclaimed A New Day in Arkansas: 

“We are especially privileged to be Arkansans, and to live in a state with so much natural beauty 

and so many wonderful people—a state with a rich history and unbounded promise. And while I 

am from the Ozark hills, I know the beauty of a Delta sunrise and the vast timberland of the 

South... Our challenge in the years ahead will be to adapt our agriculture, our government 

services, our health-care system and our industry to our changing world without forsaking our 

values. Let’s embrace the energy of change and all the opportunity it brings without forsaking 

our foundation. And when we come to work tomorrow in this magnificent building behind me, 

our charge will be the same: to build a new foundation for job creation and economic growth. 

My top priority is to grow the economy of this state, to create jobs, and for Arkansas to enter a 

time of sustained economic power and influence. As governor, I want people to work; and when 

they work, they should be better off; and when they work hard enough, they should move up the 

economic ladder. Our homegrown businesses, like Walmart, Murphy Oil, Dillard's and Tyson, 

clothe and feed the world. Our world-class academic institutions, like UAMS not far from here, 

educate the world. Our arts, from the one-of-a-kind exhibits at Crystal Bridges in Bentonville to 

the talented artisans of the Delta such as Miller's Mud in Dumas, are among the joys of the 

world. Our writers and musicians entertain and inspire...And we’re just getting started because it 

is a New Day in Arkansas.”

3

In outlining his vision for Arkansas, Governor Hutchinson developed a set of economic principles that 

formed the foundation by which current economic development initiatives have been and will continue 

to be implemented. These principles are as follows:

1. The foundation of economic growth is built upon responsible fiscal policies that reduce tax and 

regulatory burdens which stifle entrepreneurial initiative, capital investment and job creation. 

2. Economic development requires multifaceted job creation, attraction, retention and expansion 

initiatives that transcend all of the state’s regions, industries and cultures.

3. Arkansas must prioritize development of critical human, physical and fiscal infrastructure assets 

to remain competitive in today’s global economy.

4. Protecting Arkansas’s quality of life is how we make Arkansas the best state to live, work and 

raise a family. This must be done by building community capacity and competitiveness by 

strengthening families, improving school performance, reducing crime and building community 

assets which retain residents, attract workers and welcome visitors. 

5. Arkansas must develop a world-class, technology-based workforce that provides improved jobskills training at all age and skill levels. Intensive computer science curriculum, in particular

providing computer coding in every high school, are a key component of this desire.

 

3 Governor Asa Hutchinson, Inaugural Address, January 13, 2015. Online at 

http://governor.arkansas.gov/speeches/detail/governor-asa-hutchinson-inaugural-address
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 11

4. Planning Synergies

Governor Hutchinson’s economic principles not only provide the blueprint for Arkansas’s economic 

development mission, but also align symbiotically with DRA’s goals and the multiple initiatives of local, 

regional and statewide entities effectuating community and economic development growth and 

development throughout the Arkansas Delta. Each of these initiatives, implemented collectively under the 

canopy of DRA’s goals and Governor Hutchinson’s economic principles, will provide the basis for which DRA 

funding will be utilized to leverage maximum public-private investment throughout the five-year (2015-2019) 

planning period. 

5. Plan Development Overview

Planning Objectives 

 Build on Past Successes (RDP I and II and Arkansas’s Five-Year Delta Development Plan: 2009-

2014; State Economic Development Initiatives; State, regional and local plans)

 Operationalize Governor Hutchinson’s Strategy to Effectuate DRA Goals (November 2015)

 Develop New Synergies and Leverage Potential throughout the Delta (Ongoing: 2015-2019)

Planning Development Process 

 Review Existing Plans, Initiatives and Accomplishments (September-November 2015)

 Resource Identification and Stakeholder Engagement (See Appendix B)

 Pine Bluff Listening Session (June 30, 2015)

 Little Rock Stakeholder Engagement (November 13, 2015)

 Goal Setting (November-December 2015)

 Workforce Competitiveness

 Infrastructure

 Community Competitiveness/Capacity Building

 Identification/Prioritization of Actions and Programs for Achieving Goals (November - December 2015)

 Submit Draft Strategic Plan to DRA (December 18, 2015)

 Submit Final Draft Strategic Plan to DRA (February 16, 2016)

 Implement Strategies (Action Items) (Ongoing: 2015-2019)
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 12

B. Challenges and Opportunities:

The State of the State
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 13

B. Challenges and Opportunities: The State of the State

1. Geography

The Arkansas Delta is a vast geographic area encompassing the entire eastern half of Arkansas. The 

number of Arkansas Delta Counties - 42 - ranks third among DRA states, behind only Louisiana’s 56 

parishes and Mississippi’s 46 counties.

Figure 3: Delta Regional Authority States4

More than half – 27,945 square miles – of Arkansas’s total land area lies within DRA boundaries. Only 

Louisiana and Mississippi boast more.

Chart 2: DRA Land Area5

Further, almost half of all Arkansans call the Delta home.6

 

4 Delta Regional Authority, DRA States, Online at http://dra.gov/about-dra/dra-states/

5 Calculated from Land Area in Square Miles (2010) Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, State and County Quick 

Facts. Online at http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/05000.html, accessed 16 Nov 2015.

6Delta Regional Authority, Today’s Delta. Online at http://dra.gov/resources/todays-delta-research-database/, accessed 16 

Nov 2015.

83%

57% 54%

33% 27% 26% 19% 11%

0%

50%

100%

Louisiana Mississippi Arkansas Alabama Missouri Tennessee Kentucky Illinois

Percent of State Area Within DRA Boundaries
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 14

Chart 3: DRA Population

2. Economy

Predominantly rural, a majority of the Arkansas Delta is comprised of sparsely populated counties 

influenced by “county seat” cities that serve as centers of government, manufacturing, commerce, 

transportation, education and medical services. Generally, the hinterland of each county seat supports 

natural resource-based businesses such as farming, forestry, light manufacturing, etc. Recreational, 

historical, heritage and arts and crafts tourism is quickly becoming one of the Delta’s major economic 

drivers with significant potential to grow.

73%

53%

48%

24%

11% 11% 9%

3%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Louisiana Mississippi Arkansas Tennessee Missouri Kentucky Alabama Illinois

Percent of State Population Within DRA Boundaries
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 15

Figure 4: Delta Heritage Trail

Agriculture-based businesses, relying on crop, catfish, hardwood and softwood timber production, 

dominate the economies of southern and eastern Arkansas Delta counties. Crop farming is most 

prevalent in eastern counties along the Mississippi River, timber production is widespread throughout 

all southern counties, and catfish production is concentrated in southeastern counties. Fertile Arkansas 

Delta soil produces more rice than any other state and significant amounts of cotton (5

th nationally) and 

soybeans (10th nationally).7 Biomass production from agricultural wastes is a potential economic growth 

area.

Animal production, tourism/recreation, retiree relocation, light manufacturing and health care are the 

principal economic activities of northwest Arkansas Delta counties. In addition to forest product 

production, southwest Arkansas Delta counties produce a variety of products including chemicals, 

defense products and fuels. Northeastern Arkansas’s economy is supported by agriculture, poultry 

production, manufacturing, transportation and services. Principle manufacturing industries include 

metals, transportation equipment, food and kindred products, and industrial equipment.

West central Arkansas Delta counties (including Jefferson, Lonoke, Pulaski and White) are decidedly 

urban (50,000 or more population) and support diverse economies that influence a significant portion of 

central Arkansas.8

Arkansas’s Delta is also a paradise for hunters and anglers worldwide. Arkansas’s waterways and rice 

fields provide a natural duck habitat while immense forests nurture deer, turkey and other animals. 

Sport fishing on Arkansas’s rivers, lakes, streams, and ox-bow lakes draws sports enthusiasts from 

throughout the United States. Such recreational amenities bolster tourism as a major component of the 

 

7 USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, (Arkansas) Crop Production (August 2015).

8

For listings of major employers in these counties see: Major Employers by County, Online at 

http://www.arkansasedc.com/data/reports

“During my visit to Arkansas City, I learned more about the 

Delta Heritage Trail State Park. This project converts an 

abandoned Missouri Pacific rail line and part of the levee road 

into a biking and walking trail. When completed, the 84-mile 

trail will follow the Mississippi River from Helena to Arkansas 

City. Along the route is the site of the Elaine Race Riot, the 

White River National Wildlife Refuge, the Rohwer Japanese 

Internment Camp, and historic Arkansas City. Nearby are 

historic Downtown Helena, the Arkansas Post National Historic 

Monument, the Louisiana Purchase State Park and Lakeport 

Plantation. The Trail pieces these small sites together to tell a 

larger story: the story of our Delta, the story of our heritage.

In addition, the project will have a positive economic impact in 

the poorest corner of our state.” - Governor Asa Hutchinson
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 16

Delta economy. Additionally, the retail and service economies of many Delta communities are 

supported by an influx of consumer spending from intermediate travelers whose ultimate destinations 

transcend Arkansas boundaries. 

3. Infrastructure

Despite the Delta’s sparse population and relative isolation, several of its major cities have worked 

diligently to improve infrastructure capacity. As a result, many of the region’s major cities have main 

line rail service or links to Class I railroads through a comprehensive network of short line railroads. The 

state’s premier multimodal transportation facility, Union Pacific’s $70 million, 600-acre facility near 

Marion in Crittenden County, provides enhanced opportunities for industrial recruitment. 

The Delta also has exceptional port potential. Ports at Helena, Little Rock, Pine Bluff, West Memphis, 

and Yellow Bend (near McGehee) provide services that can support many types of industry. 

Highway improvements continue throughout the Delta. Prospective highway projects, such as I-69, 

prioritized in the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department’s State Transportation 

Improvement Plan and the DRA’s Delta Development Highway System provide hope for future 

development. Stakeholders also indicated a need to continue work on US 67/167 and designation of I57 linking Arkansas with Missouri and Tennessee. 

4. Socio-Economic Indicators

Despite pockets of prosperity, many Arkansas Delta counties are economically distressed. From 2009 to 

2014, 25 of Arkansas’s 42 Delta counties lost population.9

 

9 Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Population Estimates. Online at http://www.census.gov/popest/, accessed 

15 Nov 2015. 
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 17

Figure 5: Arkansas Delta County Population Change: 2009-2014 

Population loss is exceptionally devastating to economic development due to its direct relationship to: 

 Local tax bases to pay for infrastructure and services

 Labor force quantity and quality for new and existing businesses

 School enrollment

 Housing stock

 Cultural contributions

Many of Arkansas’s Delta counties are also plagued by high unemployment and poverty rates; however, 

average per capita personal income (pcpi) is on par with Arkansas’s. This can be attributed to Pulaski

and Union Counties’ above-average incomes. 
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 18

Chart 4: Unemployment Rates 10

Figure 6: Arkansas Unemployment Rate Change: 2009-2014 

Further, the effects of the last recession are still being felt throughout the Arkansas Delta as all but three 

Delta counties show continued labor force losses since 2009.11

10 Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, Unemployment Rates and Labor Force Statistics. Online at 

http://www.discoverarkansas.net/cgi/dataanalysis/AreaSelection.asp?tableName=Labforce, accessed 15 Nov 2015. 

11 Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, Unemployment Rates and Labor Force Statistics Annual Labor Force Data for 

2009 and 2014. Online at http://www.discoverarkansas.net/cgi/dataanalysis/AreaSelection.asp?tableName=Labforce, 

accessed 13 Nov 2015. 

7.9%

6.2% 6.1%

0%

2%

4%

6%

8%

10%

AR Delta Counties United States Arkansas

2014 Annual Unemployment Rates
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 19

Figure 7: Arkansas Labor Force Change: 2009-2014

Figure 8: Arkansas Per Capita Personal Income Change: 2009-201412

12 Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Per Capita Personal Income. Online at 

http://www.bea.gov/regional/index.htm, accessed 16 Nov 2015.
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 20

Chart 5: Per Capita Personal Income 

Chart 6: Poverty Rates13

13 Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Poverty, online; accessed 18 Dec. 2015, available 

from http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty/poverty.html

$36,488 $37,782

$46,049

$0

$5,000

$10,000

$15,000

$20,000

$25,000

$30,000

$35,000

$40,000

$45,000

$50,000

AR Delta Counties Arkansas United States

2014 Annual Per Capita Personal Income

18.5%

17.6%

13.0%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

AR Delta Counties Arkansas United States

2014 Annual Poverty Rates

25%
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 21

C. Governor’s and State’s Goals,

Priorities and Programs
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 22

C. Governor’s and State’s Goals, Priorities and Programs

1. Governor Hutchinson’s Priorities for DRA Funding

DRA funding emphasizes not only traditional “bricks and mortar” infrastructure projects that have been 

the cornerstone of traditional economic development, but also programs that have stimulated 

entrepreneurship and development of a highly skilled/educated workforce. DRA priorities include14:

 Basic public infrastructure in distressed counties.15 Under Federal law, at least 75 percent of 

DRA funds must be invested in economically distressed counties and parishes. 

 Transportation infrastructure for the purpose of facilitating economic development. Federal law also 

requires that half of DRA funds be earmarked for transportation and basic infrastructure projects.

 Business development with an emphasis on entrepreneurship. 

 Job training with an emphasis on using existing public education institutions.

Given the long-range nature of both the DRA plan and Governor Hutchinson’s economic strategy, it 

would be most advantageous to prioritize projects based on broad, flexible parameters that maximize 

cost-effectiveness, leveraging of resources, and economic impact. As a result, Governor Hutchinson 

established the following categories as priorities for DRA funding:

Figure 9: Governor Hutchinson’s Priorities for DRA Funding

Each applicant for DRA funds must demonstrate that their project is consistent with the goals and 

objectives of both the DRA III plan and Governor Hutchinson’s priorities for DRA funding, and that their 

project has received Congressional input and support.

 

14 See Delta Regional Authority, Investing in the Delta. Online at http://dra.gov/funding-programs/investing-in-the-delta/

15 See Delta Regional Authority, Distressed Counties and Parishes. Online at http://dra.gov/funding-programs/stateseconomic-development-assistance-program/distressed-counties-and-parishes/

Economic Development Projects that:

Create or Retain Jobs

Generate Regional Impact

Leverage Collaborative Public-Private Investment

Provide Critical Needs Funding
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 23

These priorities were evidenced in Arkansas’s announced Fiscal Year 2015 SEDAP projects.

Figure 10: Arkansas DRA SEDAP Projects FY 2015

The actions outlined within this plan will result in collaborative, regional projects that will better utilize 

scarce resources to stimulate human and capital investment. Governor Hutchinson will continue to 

work closely with officials throughout the Delta region, especially planning and economic development 

districts, and the Federal Congressional delegation, to ensure that critical regional projects are funded 

through the SEDAP Program.

2. Governor Hutchinson’s Goals, Priorities and Programs

Acknowledging his desire to see the private sector grow more rapidly than the public sector, and with 

the goals of creating a business-friendly climate with lower tax rates, a skilled workforce and fewer 

government regulations, Governor Hutchinson proclaimed in his inaugural speech:

“In my judgment, the first order of business for the state of Arkansas is economic growth and job 

creation. We all have different priorities. We all want to improve education. We all want to build 

more highways. We all want to improve our criminal justice system. We all want to increase preK opportunities. But to do all that we need to do in this state, we have to grow our economy. And 

as we grow our economy, we will be able to do more in every category. That is our top 

priority.”

16

 

16 Governor Asa Hutchinson, Inaugural Address, January 13, 2015. Online at 

http://governor.arkansas.gov/speeches/detail/governor-asa-hutchinson-inaugural-address
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 24

A key component of Governor Hutchinson’s vision for Arkansas is the implementation of a commonsense economic development jobs plan17 that emphasizes economic growth through broad-based job 

creation, regulatory and tax reform and educational excellence. In developing this plan, Governor 

Hutchinson outlined a New Direction for Arkansas’s Future, proclaiming that:

“Arkansas can lead our region in job creation and economic growth. We can take the lead 

nationally in technology education...Arkansas must compete with our surrounding states and 

globally to create jobs for Arkansas’s future. The six priorities of this plan will benefit every part 

of the diverse economy of Arkansas including agriculture, tourism, retail, technology and 

manufacturing.”

18

The plan’s six priorities are as follows:

1. Tax Competitiveness 

2. Develop an Effective and Efficient Workforce Education System 

3. Health Care Reform

4. High Expectations and Choice in Education

5. Teach Computer Science in Every High School

6. Regulatory Reform 

From these six priorities, Governor Hutchinson and Arkansas Economic Development Commission 

(AEDC) Executive Director Michael Preston have developed a new mission statement for AEDC and have 

developed five economic principles to accentuate this new philosophy.

AEDC Mission Statement 

To create economic opportunity by attracting higher paying jobs, expanding and diversifying our state 

and local economies, increasing incomes and investment, and generating positive growth throughout 

Arkansas.

Arkansas Economic Development Principles

1. The foundation of economic growth is built upon responsible fiscal policies that reduce tax and 

regulatory burdens which stifle capital investment and discourage job creation. 

2. Economic development requires multifaceted job creation, attraction, retention and expansion 

initiatives that transcend all of the state’s regions, industries and cultures.

 

17 Asa Hutchinson, Making Arkansas Competitive: A New Jobs Plan for 2015 & Beyond. Online at 

http://www.archivoelectoral.org/archivo/doc/AsaPlanAsaHutchinsonGOPGobernadorArkansasEEUU2014.pdf

18 Ibid, page 1.
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 25

3. Arkansas must prioritize development of critical human, physical and fiscal infrastructure assets 

to remain competitive in today’s global economy.

4. Protecting Arkansas’s quality of life is how we make Arkansas the best state to live, work and 

raise a family. This must be done by building community capacity and competitiveness by 

strengthening families, improving school performance, reducing crime and building community 

assets which retain residents, attract workers and welcome visitors. 

5. Arkansas must develop a world-class, technology-based workforce that provides improved jobskills training at all age- and skill-levels. Intensive computer science curriculum, in particular 

providing computer coding in every high school, are a key component of this desire.

These principles not only form the pillars of Arkansas’s economic development plan, but also provide 

the blue print from which each of DRA’s three goals can be implemented.
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 26

D. Alignment of State Priorities with

DRA Priorities and Implementation Plan
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 27

D. Alignment of State Priorities with DRA Priorities and Implementation Plan

1. Goal Alignment

Each of Governor Hutchinson’s five economic development principles are supported implicitly in DRA’s 

mission and explicitly within the context of DRA’s three strategic goals. Section D of this plan provides a 

summary of how each DRA goal supports the economic development priorities of Governor Hutchinson. 

Projects that meet DRA Priority/Eligibility, Regional Planning Goals and Governor State Priorities will 

receive priority consideration for funding (see Figure 12).

Figure 11: DRA Strategic Goals

Figure 12:

DRA Project Funding Process

DRA 

Priority/Eligibility

Governor 

State Priorities

Regional 

Planning Goals

Goal 1: WORKFORCE COMPETITIVENESS

Advance the productivity and economic competitiveness of the Delta workforce.

Goal 2: INFRASTRUCTURE

Strengthen the Delta’s physical, digital and capital connections to the 

global economy.

Goal 3: COMMUNITY COMPETITIVENESS

Facilitate local capacity building within Delta communities, organizations, 

businesses and individuals.
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 28

Goal 1: Workforce

DRA Strategies and Actions

 Build on the momentum of the Re-Imagining the Delta Workforce initiative to create a strong 

pipeline of talent to support current and future employers in the Delta region.

 Improve the workforce readiness of the region’s K-12 students and adult population by 

increasing the number of internships, work co-op programs, and other initiatives, with a focus 

on soft skills and employability.

 Create awareness of opportunities in Delta communities to attract talent from outside of the 

region.

 Continue initiatives to improve the health and wellness of the Delta workforce to elevate the 

productivity and competitiveness of the region’s employers.

 Pursue strategic initiatives to better leverage and connect the Delta region’s higher education 

institutions for workforce development and economic development.

DRA Goal 1: WORKFORCE COMPETITIVENESS

Advance the productivity and economic competitiveness of the Delta workforce.
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 29

“Almost 57 percent of Arkansans hold a high-school 

diploma or less. That’s about 850,000 of us in a state of 

fewer than 3 million folks. Based upon projected workforce 

needs, 236,000 adult Arkansans will lack the proper 

education credentials to be employed by 2020.”

19

- Governor Asa Hutchinson

Governor Hutchinson’s Economic Development Priorities

Arkansas must develop a world-class, technology-based workforce 

that provides improved job-skills training at all age- and skill-levels. 

Intensive computer science curriculum, in particular providing 

computer coding in every high school, are a key component of this 

desire.

Overview

The quality and success of Arkansas’s public school system is 

foundational for our economic growth, quality of life and civic 

participation. A successful educational system is built with high 

standards, accountability and choice with the support of families 

and the community. 

Arkansas has an opportunity to create a competitive edge in 

recruiting industry. We are competing for jobs in the global 

marketplace and the jobs will flow to those states with the skilled 

workers and with an educational system that matches the training 

to the technology of the workplace.

By encouraging computer science and technology as a meaningful 

career path, Arkansas will produce more graduates prepared for the 

information-based economy that represents a wide-open job 

market for young Arkansans. Arkansas will also educate 

entrepreneurs who create and grow new technology businesses. All 

Arkansans will benefit from a growth of our technology-fueled 

economy. Computer science will no longer be neglected in the 

State of Arkansas but rather it will be embraced.

Governor Hutchinson Action Items and Results

 Governor Hutchinson signed Act 892 of 2015 (April 2015) to 

create a comprehensive statewide workforce development 

system and Office of Skills Development. Members of the 

 

19 Governor Hutchinson’s Radio Address, We Can’t Stop Learning, September 4, 2015.

Online at http://governor.arkansas.gov/radio/detail/we-cant-stop-learning 

 Signed Act 892 of 2015, 

to create a 

comprehensive 

statewide workforce 

development system and 

Office of Skills 

Development.

 Signed Act 187 of 2015 

to require each public 

high school and public 

charter school to offer a 

course in computer 

science and to establish 

a task force to review 

and recommend 

computer science 

courses, standards and 

pathways for students.

 Completion of “Closing 

the Gap 2020: A Master 

Plan for Arkansas Higher 

Education.”

 Proactive support of 

Workforce Innovation 

and Opportunity Act 

(WIOA) legislation.

 Continued support of 

Career Readiness 

Certification program.

 Enhancement of STEM 

courses.

 Support of College and 

Career Coaches Program.

 Support of Jobs for 

Arkansas Graduates.

STATE WORKFORCE 

INITIATIVES
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 30

Career Education and Workforce Development Board, comprised of representatives appointed by 

Governor Hutchinson from industry sectors and state agencies, will create a comprehensive 

statewide program for career education and workforce development under the auspices of the

newly-created Office of Skills Development. 

Results: Coordinate all State and Federal career education and workforce development programs

(and funding) under one Office of Skills Development; reduce duplication of programming; ensure 

that every Arkansan who seeks occupational, technical, and industrial training will find an 

appropriate education program; bring consistency and efficiency to the State's career education 

and workforce development efforts; and alert industry to the commitment of the State of Arkansas 

to economic development through career education and workforce education. Specifically, Act 892 

of 2015 will allow regional business and industry to guide the training programs; develop and 

encourage partnerships between two-year colleges, technical colleges, businesses and high schools

to improve job-skill training; ensure that funding follows these priorities; and require State 

government agencies to be organized around these principles.

 Governor Hutchinson signed Act 187 of 2015 (February 2015) requiring all public high schools and 

public charter high schools to offer computer science classes, including computer coding, as a 

math or science credit class. Classes include Advanced Placement Computer Science, International 

Baccalaureate Computer Science, Essentials of Computer Programming and Computer Science and 

Mathematics. The Act also called for the establishment of a Computer Science and Technology in 

Public School Task Force. The purpose of the Task Force will be to: research and recommend 

computer science and technology courses and standards; study the computer science and 

technology needs of the state; and, recommend strategies to meet the anticipated computer 

science and technology workforce needs of Arkansas. Governor Hutchinson also set aside $5 

million to help implement this initiative by funding teacher training and providing stipends to 

schools that have high performance and enrollment rates in these courses. 

Results: Members of the Computer Science and Technology in Public School Task Force were 

appointed by Governor Hutchinson in April 2015. As of November 2015, Arkansas has more than 

doubled the number of students enrolled in high school computer science classes. Currently, more 

than 4,500 students are taking one or more of 14 coding courses - an increase of 260 percent over 

a year ago and an increase of 472 percent over the previous school year - more than two-thirds of 

the way to Governor Hutchinson’s ongoing four-year goal.

 On September 1, 2015, Governor Hutchinson presented “Closing the Gap 2020: A Master Plan for 

Arkansas Higher Education.”20 The 2015-2020 five-year planning cycle adopted in this plan is a 

critical component in the long-term objective of reaching the State’s 2025 goal of a 60% postsecondary attainment rate in Arkansas (up from the current estimate of 43.4 percent). By 2020, 

Arkansas proposes to reduce the educational attainment gap by increasing the number of 

postsecondary credentials by 50% over the 2013-2014 academic year levels - increasing the 

number of certificates awarded to 19,200, associate’s degrees to 12,700, and bachelor’s degrees to 

19,900.

 

20 “Closing the Gap 2020: A Master Plan for Arkansas Higher Education,” Arkansas Department of Higher Education. Online at 

https://static.ark.org/eeuploads/adhe/Closing_the_Gap_2020_2.pdf
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 31

Closing the Gap 2020 focuses on six key points and four main goals:

Figure 13: Closing the Gap 2020 Key Points

Figure 14: Closing the Gap 2020 Goals

Results: The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB) adopted Closing the Gap 2020: A 

Master Plan for Arkansas Higher Education on October 30, 2015. Funding initiatives are currently 

ongoing with results to be reported throughout the five-year planning period.

 Governor Hutchinson will continue to proactively support the initiatives of the Workforce 

Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) legislation.

Closing 

educational 

attainment 

gap

Improving 

college 

readiness of 

students

Reducing 

remedial 

education 

enrollments

Concentrating 

efforts on 

adults and 

underserved 

populations

Improving 

college 

affordability

Directing 

State 

resources to 

achieve goals

Goal 1: Raise completion and graduation rates of colleges and universities by 10%

Goal 2: By Fall 2018, increase enrollment of adult students, age 25 to 54 by 50%

Goal 3: Raise the attainment rates of underserved student groups by 10%

Goal 4: Improve college affordability through effective resource allocation
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 32

Results: Governor Hutchinson signed Executive Order 15-20 on August 3, 201521, to designate local 

workforce development areas and to certify local workforce development boards to implement the 

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014. Objectives specified in the Executive Order 

include: creating a talent pipeline; increasing employment, increasing retention and earnings of 

customers; enhancing occupational skill attainment; improving quality of workforce; reducing 

welfare dependency; and, increasing the productivity and competitiveness of Arkansas.

 Governor Hutchinson has pledged continued support of the Arkansas Career Readiness

Certification Program. 22 An Arkansas Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) is a portable credential 

based upon the WorkKeys® assessments that demonstrates to employers that an individual 

possesses the basic workplace skills required for 21st-century jobs. The CRC verifies to employers 

that the certificate holder can handle tasks such as reading instructions and directions, working 

with figures, and finding information - tasks common in today's workplace.

Results: Through November 2015, 64,815 certificates have been awarded to Arkansans.

 Continue efforts of the Arkansas Department of Career Education (ADCE) and the Arkansas 

Department of Education to enhance STEM courses at middle schools, high schools and secondary 

career centers will continue during the planning period.

Results: The number of STEM bachelor’s degree graduates in Arkansas increased 58.4 percent in 

the past four years.

 Support for the College and Career Coaches Program, a pilot project designed to motivate and 

support Arkansas students from 21 Arkansas counties in which unemployment and poverty are high 

and the college-going rate is low, will also be continued. Students in the 8th through 12th grades are 

served by coaches assigned to middle and high schools in those counties. Coaches provide 

information and assistance in areas such as academic tutoring, career counseling, mentoring, 

financial guidance, and other support necessary for career educational access and retention. Career 

coaches (including one for Hispanic populations and one for adult populations) are based in 45 school 

districts across the state.

Results: (See Appendix C for a map of participating colleges and school districts.) 

 Jobs for Arkansas’s Graduates (JAG) is a broad-based school-to-work program designed to assist 

students whose ability to successfully graduate from high school and obtain meaningful 

employment is in jeopardy. JAG is a program of the Arkansas Department of Career Education and 

is connected to Jobs for America’s Graduates, Inc. The program’s goal is to ensure students’

graduation (or GED) and prepare students for workplace success whether their career begins 

immediately upon high school graduation or requires them to complete postsecondary education 

or training. JAG can be utilized in any program of study and can count as credit toward a student’s 

vocational career focus or major.

Results: From 2011-2014, JAG annually served an average of 1,100 students.

 

21 Office of Governor Asa Hutchinson, Executive Order 15-20, August 3, 2015. Online at http://ee-governor2015.ark.org/images/uploads/executiveOrders/EO_15-20_ADEM.pdf

22 Arkansas Career Certification Program, Arkansas Department of Career Education, http://dws.arkansas.gov/Programs/CRC/
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 33

Overview

Governor Hutchinson firmly believes that healthier Arkansans 

can increase the state’s labor force participation rate which is 

currently 55.6 percent –5.8 percent below the national 

average.23 Healthier Arkansans can also enhance business 

productivity through reduced absenteeism and lower health 

care costs to employers.

Governor Hutchinson has made improvement of the state’s 

health care initiatives, including the modification of expanded 

Medicaid, one of the cornerstones of his governorship. His 

approach has focused on limiting the size of the traditional 

Medicaid program; encouraging increased personal 

responsibility and employment and decreased reliance on 

taxpayer-funded healthcare service; and assuring efficient, 

cost-effective, transparent healthcare delivery. 

“It’s all connected. We have more than $1 billion annually just 

in obesity-related expenses. The more we do to improve 

healthy lifestyles in our state, the more we reduce costs and 

the more we improve our workforce and quality of life.” 

- Governor Asa Hutchinson

Governor Hutchinson Action Items and Results

 Governor Hutchinson launched Healthy Arkansas, a statewide 

plan to improve the health of all Arkansans, on October 14, 

2015. Healthy Arkansas contains nine focus areas tied to 

increasing the health of Arkansans through healthy dietary 

choices and increased physical activity. The nine focus areas 

are Physical and Built Environment; Nutritional Standards in 

Government, Institutions and the Private Sector; Nutritional 

Standards in Schools—Early Child Care Through College; 

Physical Education and Activity in Schools—Early Child Care 

Through College; Healthy Worksites; Access to Healthy Foods; 

Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Reduction; Breastfeeding; and a 

Marketing Program. Benefits of improving health include 

lower health care costs for employers and employees and 

increased productivity; lowering the burden of chronic disease 

treatment, such as obesity and diabetes, on the health care 

 

23 Source: Arkansas Department of Workforce Services. Online at

http://www.discoverarkansas.net/cgi/dataanalysis/labForceReport.asp?menuchoice=LABFORCE and United States Census 

Bureau, (www.census.gov)

 Healthy Arkansas 

launched in October 

2015.

 Governor’s Advisory 

Council on Medicaid 

Reform.

 Legislative Task Force on 

Healthcare Reform.

 Created Medicaid 

Payment Integrity Unit.

 Continued support of 

DRA Health and 

Wellness Initiatives.

STATE HEALTH 

INITIATIVES
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 34

industry; and strengthening the state’s economic development potential by establishing Arkansas as 

a place with a healthier workforce. 

 Governor Hutchinson also created the Governor’s Advisory Council on Medicaid Reform to work

with the Governor’s Office and the Legislative Task Force on Healthcare Reform to identify efficient,

effective reforms for Medicaid. He has also introduced a new Medicaid Payment Integrity Unit to

identify sources of waste in Medicaid.

Governor Hutchinson’s approach to improving Arkansas’s compliance with the Affordable Care Act, 

as expressed to the Legislative Healthcare Reform Task Force and the Medicaid Advisory Council, has 

seven points: 

Mandatory employer-sponsored insurance premium assistance;

Cost-sharing for individuals with incomes greater than 100% of the federal poverty level;

A work-training or employment-assistance referral requirement for the able-unemployed

or underemployed;

Elimination of non-emergency medical transportation;

Limitation of access to private market coverage to working individuals;

Cost savings; and

Increased program integrity.

Regional Workforce Initiatives 

 The Arkansas Delta Training and Education Consortium (ADTEC) was formed in 2005 by five

Arkansas community colleges to address the training needs of business and industry. ADTEC serves a

12-county region in eastern Arkansas. Its purposes are to provide a comprehensive regional

approach to education and training; share faculty, curriculum, equipment, and best practices; provide

a broader range of services at a lower overall cost; and’, promote regional economic development. It

has acquired more than $63 million in external investments to support regional workforce

development initiatives. Supported career pathways include advanced manufacturing, allied health,

aviation technology, renewable energy technology, and transportation technology.

 The College Initiative provides college-capable, low-income high school students with the tools and

mentorship they need to successfully apply to and succeed in college. The Initiative forms

partnerships with school districts, teachers, and college students to ensure that every student who

wants to attend and graduate from college has the opportunity to do so. The Initiative has programs

in three states (Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee) and is aiming to serve more students across the

country. There are two components to the program: an outreach program for ninth and tenth grades

and core programming for eleventh and twelfth grades. One hundred percent of the College

Initiative’s students have been admitted to college, their students’ scores are 40% higher than others’

on the ACT, and they are twelve times more likely to earn a degree than non-participants. Gabriel

Fasting is the founder and CEO of the College Initiative.

 Teach for America is a 25-year-old program that recruits individuals to commit to teaching for two

years at a public school in a low-income community. Its mission is to promote educational equity and

excellence. Teach for America trains and supports teachers through pre-employment training,

professional development sessions, and regionally recommended resources. The program has over

42,000 alumni. It currently serves 52 regions, which include both states and cities. Arkansas has 110

active corps members and 200 active alumni. The Executive Director for Arkansas is Jared Henderson.














State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 35

 Wynne Public School Academics

The Wynne School District is one of the most highly regarded school districts in Arkansas 

academically. The high school offers college prep curriculum, Advanced Placement® courses, and 

some basic college courses. In the 2015-16 school year the district is moving to a career academy 

concept, in which students can choose an emphasis of study as they will in college. The career 

academies are personalized small learning communities within the high school that students must 

apply for and be accepted into, with parental support. Over 50% of Wynne’s graduates go on to 

college. Wynne High School has been named one of America’s Best High Schools by U.S. News & 

World Report (bronze medal category). The superintendent of the Wynne School District is Carl 

Easley.

 El Dorado/Arkadelphia Promise

The El Dorado Promise, in El Dorado, AR, is scholarship program established in 2007. The Promise, 

funded by Murphy Oil Corporation, provides graduates of El Dorado High School with a scholarship 

covering tuition and mandatory fees. The scholarship can be used at any accredited two- or fouryear, public or private educational institution in the United States. The maximum amount payable is 

up to the highest annual resident tuition at an Arkansas public university. The program has given 

1,588 scholarships to date. Since 2005, AP enrollment at El Dorado High School has more than 

doubled. In addition, the number of AP course offerings at the school has increased from seven in 

2001 to twenty in the 2014-2015 school year. 

The Arkadelphia Promise Scholarship provides up to four continuous years of tuition and mandatory 

fees for post-secondary education to any accredited two-year and four-year, public or private college 

or university in the United States. The scholarship must be used immediately following graduation 

from high school unless deferred by military service. The program began with the graduating class of 

2011. To be eligible, a student must be a graduate of Arkadelphia High School, must apply for and 

receive the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, and have at least a 2.5 GPA and/or a 19 on the 

ACT. The goal of the Arkadelphia Promise Scholarship is to increase the college-going rate for 

Arkadelphia students, reduce the number of students dropping out of college for financial reasons 

and provide for a more educated workforce. The Promise graduates’ retention rates since the 

introduction of the program have remained 70 percent or better since the beginning, with 70 percent 

retention in 2011, 82 percent in 2013, and 76.9 percent in 2014. The success of the Promise is often 

measured by comparing the college-going and college retention figures of AHS’s graduates to that of 

Arkansas’s and the national averages. AHS graduates consistently enroll in, and stay in, college at 

rates well ahead of their peers. Promise graduates have steadily been ahead of the current national 

college-going rate of 65.9 percent, with 75.4 percent enrolling in 2014. The first Arkadelphia Promise 

class enrolled in college at a rate of 75.3 percent. Prior to the introduction of the program, the 

number of AHS graduates enrolling in college hovered around 60 percent.

 KIPP Delta Public Schools

Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) charter schools are a national network of free open-enrollment 

college preparatory schools in under-resourced communities in the U.S. KIPP Delta Public Schools 

offer free, college-preparatory education to children in the Arkansas Delta. KIPP Delta Public Schools

serve over 1,400 students across six schools in Helena, Blytheville and Forrest City, Arkansas. The 

schools help students develop the knowledge, skills, character and habits needed to succeed in 

college as well as the world beyond. 
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 36

Goal 2: Infrastructure

DRA Strategies and Actions

 Build and strengthen the region’s basic infrastructure (water, wastewater, electricity and gas) to 

stimulate job growth and capital investment.

 Make strategic investments in the region’s transportation infrastructure (highways, rail, waterbased transport and air travel) to support the growth of key industries.

 Expand and improve access to affordable digital infrastructure (broadband internet, cellular and 

satellite access) across the region, especially on areas where it is currently deficient.

 Support state and local economic development organizations and local development districts in 

their efforts to put in place deal-ready sites for business recruitment and expansion projects.

 Improve capital access throughout the Delta, especially in non-urban areas where it is lacking 

most.

Figure 15: Delta Physical Infrastructure

DRA Goal 2: INFRASTRUCTURE

Strengthen the Delta’s physical, digital, and capital connections to the 

global economy.
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 37

Governor Hutchinson’s Economic Development Priorities

Arkansas must prioritize development of critical human, physical 

and fiscal infrastructure assets to remain competitive in today’s 

global economy.

Overview

As the scope of economic development has broadened, so has the 

definition of infrastructure. Economic developers have traditionally 

viewed infrastructure as those physical structures and services such 

as roads, utilities and buildings that are necessary for residential 

and commercial development. As information technology has 

proliferated, telecommunications assets have been integrated into 

the definition. Today, economic developers consider workforce, 

intellectual property and other non-structural resources as “soft” 

infrastructure components. Defined most broadly, infrastructure 

can refer to almost any resource that contributes to economic 

development. 

Although Delta counties are blessed with resources, particularly 

natural and human resources, regionalization efforts are hampered 

by communications and transportation infrastructure deficiencies. 

Often the costs for ameliorating these deficiencies are beyond the 

scope of any one agency. 

As the physical infrastructure needs of the Delta are expansive, so 

must be the funding solutions. Major issues involving infrastructure 

include capacity, accessibility, cost, availability, safety and flexibility.

Key components of the Delta infrastructure system include ports, 

rail, highways, airports, utility infrastructure, Internet and buildings 

and sites.

Governor Hutchinson Action Items and Results

 Governor Hutchinson’s Working Group on Highway Funding

(Executive Order 15-08) was created to come up with options 

for a more reliable, modern and effective system of state 

highway funding. This working group brings different public 

and private entities to the table to create optimal solutions for 

sustaining the needs of Arkansas’s infrastructure. 

Results: Preliminary funding options will be presented to the 

Governor by December 15, 2015. After reviewing their recommendations, Arkansas will move 

forward with legislation to implement a new framework to address them. 

 Governor’s Working 

Group on Highway 

Funding. 

 Advanced 

Communications and 

Information 

Technology 

Committee -proposed 

state broadband plan.

 Continued funding of 

infrastructure through 

State and Federal 

Sources:

o Community

Development Block 

Grants

o Governor’s Quick 

Action Closing Fund

o Amendment 82 

Bonds

o General 

Improvement 

Funding

o Delta Regional 

Authority

o EDA

o AHTD

 Expand Prospect 

Readiness Education 

Program training.

STATE 

INFRASTRUCTURE 

INITIATIVES
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 38

 Since 2007, Arkansas, largely through Connect Arkansas, has worked to increase high-speed

Internet subscription and improve and sustain Internet adoption throughout Arkansas. Subsequent

to the loss of predominantly-federal funding, the Arkansas legislature is exploring future options,

including the development of a statewide broadband plan, to continue broadband growth. The

leaders of the Arkansas House and Senate in October 2015 asked the Joint Committee on

Advanced Communications and Information Technology to develop a proposal for expanding

Internet access to every community in the state.

“It’s time for us to really step up our game, and on both the House and Senate end, take the lead 

in making sure that every home and every business, every school in the state of Arkansas has the 

appropriate access to broadband.” 

- House Speaker Jeremy Gillam24

Results: The committee approved a timeline that calls for it to spend November 2015 looking at the 

current level of access, begin a fact-finding tour of the state in December 2015, bring Internet 

providers and economic developers to the table for discussions in the spring of 2016 and spend the 

summer months of 2016 developing a plan. The timeline calls for the plan to be finalized before 

budget hearings start next fall in advance of the 2017 session. 

 Arkansas’s most consistent and comprehensive source of community and economic development

funding during the past three decades has been the Department of Housing and Urban

Development’s Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) administered by the AEDC.

Despite significant appropriation reductions during the past decade, Arkansas’s FY 2015

appropriation of $15,864,072 will provide significant funds for economic development projects,

infrastructure (predominantly water and wastewater projects) and public facilities. (See Appendix D

for FY 2015 appropriations and a map of recently-funded CDBG projects in the Delta.)

 Since its inception in 2007, more than $156 million has been allocated to the Governor’s Quick

Action Closing Fund. A significant amount of funding has been provided to projects such as Big River

Steel, Aerojet - Rocketdyne, Bad Boy Mowers, Remington, Trinity Rail, Awesome Products, Smuckers

(SC Logistics) and Fishing Holdings. (See Appendix E for a map of Quick Action Closing Fund Projects in

the Delta (2007-2015)).

 Amendment 82 to the Arkansas Constitution allows the State of Arkansas to issue General Obligation

Bonds to finance infrastructure costs associated with eligible companies locating or expanding

operations in Arkansas. The state can issue bonds to fund a prospect’s infrastructure needs through

the Arkansas Development Finance Authority, limited to 5% of general revenues during the most

recent fiscal year. This unique financing resource has been used once, to help finance the

construction of Big River Steel in Mississippi County Arkansas, the nation’s soon-to-be second largest

steel producing county.

24 Legislative leaders ask panel to develop plan for statewide Internet access, Arkansas News, October 28, 2015, online 

http://arkansasnews.com/news/arkansas/legislative-leaders-ask-panel-develop-plan-statewide-internetaccess#sthash.q8H2KHQt.dpuf 
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 39

 Other funding from State General Improvement Funds and Federal sources will be instrumental in

financing many of the Delta’s infrastructure projects during the five-year planning period. Governor

Hutchinson has vowed to support continued funding of the above programs and has encouraged

agency directors to creatively fund projects in the most fiscally-responsible, cost-effective manner

possible.

 The AEDC, in conjunction with Entergy, maintains a web-based database of available buildings and sites

(Arkansas Site Selection Center) for business recruitment and expansion projects.25 As of November

2015, there were 412 buildings and 233 sites listed in the 42-county Delta region of Arkansas.

 The AEDC offers a Prospect Readiness Education Program (PREP) to train communities to respond to

company and consultant requests for information (RFI), identification and presentation of buildings and

sites, RFI preparation and hosting site visits. As of November 2015, the following communities in the

42-county Delta region of Arkansas have participated: Fordyce, Warren, Forrest City, Lake Village,

Carlisle, Jacksonville, El Dorado, Batesville, McCrory, Marion, Bono, Marked Tree, Helena, Corning and

Walnut Ridge.

 Additionally, the AEDC offers other training opportunities such as Technical Assistance Training for

Mayors, Community Dynamics and Site Development Classes that can be customized to fit the needs

of Delta counties and communities.

Regional Infrastructure Initiatives 

 The Newport Economic Development Commission (NEDC) offers the ReNewport Grant program to

small businesses located in the city limits of Newport, AR. NEDC offers a 50% matching grant at the

amount of up to $2,500 from a fund totaling $25,000. The grant can be used to make needed

improvements to a business’s building exterior, parking lots or grounds. The goal of the ReNewport

grant is to assist small businesses in making capital improvements that help the business be more

competitive by improving their access and signage and to assist in the beautification of the

community. The NEDC has distributed over 70 ReNewport Grants to 58 different businesses since the

program began in 2008.

 Main Street Arkansas’s mission is to be the leading resource for communities seeking to revitalize

their historic downtown commercial districts. It provides resources, education, and professional

assistance to the more than 30 participating communities in the state. Since the program’s inception

in 1984, Main Street Arkansas cities have gained over 1,100 new businesses and over 1,000 business

expansions and relocations into downtown. There have been over 840 public improvement projects

and half a million volunteer hours. Main Street Arkansas’s director is Greg Phillips.

 Several cities and counties have passed economic development sales taxes to fund infrastructure for

new and expanding businesses. (See Appendix F for Local Economic Development Sales Tax

Revenue.)

25 Arkansas Site Selection Center, Buildings and Sites Database, Teamwork Arkansas. Online at 

http://www.arkansassiteselection.com/ 
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 40

Goal 3: Community Competitiveness

DRA Strategies and Actions

 Develop new strategic initiatives and continue existing programs that build capacity among local 

leaders in Delta communities.

 Emphasize programs and investments to advance entrepreneurship and high-growth business 

development in Delta communities, ensuring that the unique innovation assets found within the 

region’s urban areas are leveraged to benefit the entire region, including rural areas.

 Enrich the quality of place of Delta communities through catalyst projects and creative placemaking.

 Encourage initiatives centered on social innovation, social entrepreneurship and social equality 

to address critical challenges facing Delta communities while also providing opportunities to 

attract and retain talent.

Governor Hutchinson’s Economic Development Priorities

The foundation of economic growth is built upon responsible fiscal policies that reduce tax and 

regulatory burdens which stifle entrepreneurial initiative, capital investment and job creation. 

Economic development requires multifaceted job creation, attraction, retention and expansion 

initiatives that transcend all of the state’s regions, industries and cultures.

Protecting Arkansas’s quality of life is how we make Arkansas the best state to live, work and raise a 

family. This must be done by building community capacity and competitiveness by strengthening 

families, improving school performance, reducing crime and building community assets which retain 

residents, attract workers and welcome visitors.

DRA Goal 3: COMMUNITY COMPETITIVENESS

Facilitate local capacity building within Delta communities, organizations, 

businesses and individuals.
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 41

Overview

Community capacity is the interaction of human, organizational, 

and social capital existing within a given community that can be 

leveraged to solve collective problems and improve or maintain the 

well-being of a given community. It may operate through informal 

social processes and/or organized efforts by individuals, 

organizations, and the networks of association among them and 

between them and the broader systems of which the community is 

a part.26

Chief among these systems are the numerous quality of place 

factors that businesses, individuals and organizations have 

developed over generations and the governmental and regulatory 

spheres in which communities exist.

Quality of place involves a myriad of tangible and intangible 

elements. It arises from the sum of thousands of decisions made 

over decades regarding road construction, land use, the design of 

residential and commercial development, funding for art and 

recreation, and many other variables. Therefore, an economic 

development strategy based on quality of place must acknowledge, 

and coordinate with, decisions made in each of these areas. 

Furthermore, research tells us that quality of place mainly 

influences the location decisions of businesses and individuals when 

other factors are equal, meaning that traditional economic factors 

such as workforce skills, transportation costs, taxes, and 

telecommunication infrastructure are still important.27

Among many factors, the foundation of economic growth is built 

upon responsible fiscal policies that reduce tax and regulatory 

burdens which stifle capital investment and discourage job creation.

State regulations on business should be designed to protect our 

environment, our citizens and the safety of our workers. 

Ineffective, confusing and costly regulations should be eliminated. 

Unreasonable obstacles should be eliminated so that bad actors, 

 

26 Robert J. Chaskin, Defining Community Capacity: A Framework and Implications from a Comprehensive Community Initiative, 

University of Chicago. Online at https://www.chapinhall.org/sites/default/files/old_reports/41.pdf

27 Reilly, Catherine J., and Henry Renski. "Place and Prosperity: Quality of Place as an Economic Driver." Maine Policy Review 

17.1 (2008): 12 -25, http://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/mpr/vol17/iss1/5, pp 22-23.

 Signed Act 22 of 2015, 

to reduce taxes for 

more than 500,000 

middle class Arkansans.

 Signed Executive Order 

15-02 requiring 

gubernatorial review of 

agency rules and 

regulations to prevent 

undue burdens.

 Market all of the state’s 

multifaceted regional 

attributes to create, 

attract, retain and 

expand industry.

 Continue to provide 

funding and support for 

regional innovation and 

entrepreneurial 

centers. 

 Continue to support 

local community 

capacity initiatives for 

re-entry into the 

workforce, leadership 

training, school 

excellence and food 

initiatives.

STATE 

COMPETITIVENESS 

INITIATIVES
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 42

not businesses that are working in the public’s benefit, are held accountable.

Governor Hutchinson Action Items and Results

 Providing widespread tax relief by signing Act 22 of 2015, The Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2015, the 

largest income tax reduction in the State’s history.

Results: Reduced the tax burden of approximately 500,000 middle-class Arkansans by up to $540 per 

taxpayer. Estimated impact of tax cuts of $100 million annually.

 Governor Hutchinson signed Executive Order 15-02 on January 14, 2015, requiring gubernatorial 

review of all state agency rules and regulations to ensure that rules do not unnecessarily create entry 

barriers, stifle entrepreneurial activity or curb innovation.28

Results: Reduction of restrictive and unnecessary regulatory burdens.

 Work to create and expand industry throughout Delta. Through November 2015, the AEDC has 

signed new and expanded incentive agreements with 35 companies proposing investment of $1.74 

billion and the creation of 2,972 direct jobs paying average hourly wages of $20.17.

29

Figure 16: AEDC Projects in the Arkansas Delta 2015

 Additionally, the AEDC is working to market Arkansas to the world by conducting trade missions to 

Europe, Asia and Cuba to promote Arkansas exports, foreign direct investment and expansion of 

foreign-owned Arkansas facilities. While in Europe, we focused on the aerospace and steel industries 

 

28 Governor Asa Hutchinson, Executive Order 15-02, signed January 14, 2015, http://ee-governor2015.ark.org/images/uploads/executiveOrders/EO15-02RulesandRegulations.pdf

29 Arkansas Economic Development Commission, New and Expanded Database. Includes all agreements signed from January 13, 

2015-November 20, 2015 and Big River Steel and Peco Foods signed late in 2014.
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 43

at trade shows in France and Germany. In Cuba, our focus was on creating trade opportunities for 

poultry, rice and agricultural products. In Asia, our purpose was to recruit new industry to Arkansas 

and visit with companies that already have investments in the United States — particularly in 

Arkansas. 

 Governor Hutchinson, the Arkansas Legislature and AEDC continue to provide support for regionallybased entrepreneurial and innovation centers that operate throughout the Delta. These include:

 Innovate Arkansas

The primary goals of Innovate Arkansas, a program of the AEDC and Winrock International, are to

encourage technology-based innovations and create jobs in Arkansas. Innovate Arkansas works with

new, technology-based entrepreneurs as they turn new inventions and high-tech service concepts

into viable commercial enterprises. Innovate Arkansas identifies new technology products and

services; helps entrepreneurs and inventors with business start-up and financial support needs; and

mentors them as they become commercial enterprises.

Innovate Arkansas 

Winrock International 

2101 Riverfront Drive 

Little Rock, AR 72202 

Phone: (501) 280-3021 

http://innovation.arkansasbusiness.com/

 Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub

The Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing innovative

and entrepreneurial activity in Arkansas by creating a collaborative ecosystem and pipelines that

mobilize the resources, programs and educational opportunities necessary to develop, attract and

retain talent and to build the state's economy.

Their mission is achieved in several ways, including the creation of their Innovation Center, which has 

four components: The Launch Pad, which is a maker space with cutting-edge equipment and 

technology; a STEM classroom and laboratory; The Silver Mine, which is a co-working space for 

entrepreneurs and startup incubation; and The Art Connection, which is a work program for high 

school students that develops leadership and innovation through hands-on training in the visual arts 

industry. 

All of their programs have been developed with local, regional, and state partners including Arkansas 

Manufacturing Solutions, AEDC, the EAST Initiative, the Arkansas STEM Coalition, regional higher 

education institutions and public school districts, private industry, the DRA, Winrock International, 

the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, and many others. 

Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub 

201 E Broadway Street 

North Little Rock, AR 72114 

Phone: (501) 907-6570 

http://www.arhub.org/about-us 
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 44

 Delta Technology Education Center

The Delta Technology Education Center’s main building has 24 wireless computer stations available

for public use. Full service support has been committed by the Department of Arkansas Workforce

Services. Facilities are also available for entrepreneurial development and student internships in

technology. In June of 2012, the renovation of the Education Building was completed through the

cooperative efforts of the State of Arkansas, the City of Dumas, foundations and private citizens. The

Education Building has two large interactive classrooms that are being used by area colleges, public

school students, industry, business, agriculture, and the medical field.

Delta Technology Education Center 

130 West Waterman 

Dumas, AR 71639 

Phone: (870) 382-1030 

http://www.delta-tech.org/index.html

 The Venture Center

The Venture Center grows startups, entrepreneurs and technical talent through experiential

programs, mentorships, partnerships, and the celebration of success. In May 2014, the Venture

Center officially launched and has moved quickly ever since with numerous Ideation programs

including BarCamp Little Rock, Little Rock Startup Weekend, a hackathon with ArkansasDEV and

more. Through their partnership with the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, they were able to leverage

and launch Pre-Flight (a 14 week pre-accelerator business model course) in September 2014. Since

the launch of Pre-Flight, the Venture Center has seen the expansion of its Mentorship Program with

quarterly mentor training.

The Venture Center 

107 E. Markham 

Little Rock, AR 72201 

Phone: (501) 404-9875 

http://www.venturecenter.com

 Arkansas Women’s Business Center

The Arkansas Women’s Business Center provides technical assistance, training, and access to capital

services to meet the needs of women business owners. The Center is funded in part through a

cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. It is in a network of over 100

Centers located through the nation. Staff and consultants provide the following technical and

financial assistance to women entrepreneurs:

 Assess interested companies to ensure that disadvantaged entrepreneurs receive support.

 Assess current client capabilities.

 Provide opportunities to participate in training activities.

 Provide business plan development support.

 Develop market feasibility studies.

 Provide mentoring assistance.

 Enhance links to capital investments.

 Locate Federal, State, and local funding assistance.
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 45

Computers are available for clients to prepare business documents, access online information, and 

participate in online training activities. In addition, space at the Center is set aside to serve as a 

business accelerator. 

Arkansas Women’s Business Center

South Arkansas Community College 

404 South West Avenue 

El Dorado, AR 71730 

Phone: (870)-864-8430 

http://www.winrockusprograms.org/arkansas-womens-business-center

 Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Centers (7 locations Statewide)

Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Centers (ASBTDC’s) are university-based

economic development entities that assist entrepreneurs, both new and seasoned, with every aspect

of business creation, management and operation. Through seven statewide offices, ASBTDCs assist all

types of for-profit businesses, from home-based to high-tech, with one-to-one confidential

consulting, cutting-edge market research at no charge, and affordable training. As the State’s

premier business assistance provider, ASBTDCs are dedicated to helping small businesses achieve

success and to promoting economic development throughout the state. Unique among Arkansas

economic development organizations, ASBTDC serves businesses from any county in Arkansas, in any

industry sector, at any stage of business development.

 Invest in successful and proven reentry programs to increase the opportunity for ex-offenders. The

Governor’s Restore Hope Summit encouraged the private sector and faith-based organizations to join

together to make sure that our ex-offenders have a fresh start.30At the Restore Hope Summit, the

Governor asked that the private sector and faith-based organizations join together to make sure that

our ex-offenders have a fresh start.

Regional Community Building Initiatives 

 The STAND (Strive Toward a New Direction) Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that seeks

to empower individuals and organizations through leadership training that promotes economic

development opportunities, social progress and community development in Arkansas. The program

targets young adults and seasoned professionals, starting at the age of 20, to train leaders for

business and public service throughout the state. STAND's signature program and first public

initiative is the Edward Coleman Leadership Institute, which offers intensive training classes in several

cities around the state. The sessions focus on career, personal and leadership development to help

meet what STAND has identified as a critical need for leadership training in the state and the nation.

Over the course of several months, participants must commit to five training sessions, participate in

online assignments, and develop and/or implement a community service plan. STAND was founded

by former state Representative and Senator Tracy Steele in 2006. He remains a member of the board

of directors. Governor Asa Hutchinson appointed Steele director of the Arkansas Health Services

Permit Agency in February 2015. On October 30, 2015, STAND held its first STANDOut Leadership

Summit, at which Governor Asa Hutchinson was one of the speakers.

30 Address to the Political Animals Club of Little Rock, May 11, 2015, http://governor.arkansas.gov/speeches/detail/addressto-the-political-animals-club-of-little-rock
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 46

 Operation Jump Start

The Central Arkansas Planning and Development District’s local business creation efforts centering on

small business and entrepreneurs have involved leveraging funding from the Winrock Foundation,

the United States Department of Agriculture and the DRA to create “Operation Jump Start.” The

Operation Jump Start training program offers one-on-one technical assistance to business owners

and provides an avenue for micro-entrepreneurs to access capital in five communities in the Arkansas

Delta region.

 Boys and Girls Clubs

Boys and Girls Clubs of America’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need

them the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Their mission is

carried out primarily through after-school programs for children and teens. The Clubs provide

education and career programs; character and leadership programs; health and life skills; arts

programs; sports, fitness, and recreation; and specialized programs. Ninety percent of Club alumni

earn a high school diploma or the equivalent.

 Arkansas communities have a growing number of local food initiatives. One example is the Grass

Roots Farmers’ Cooperative, a livestock farmer-owned and –operated organization that has come

together to better meet the needs of its members’ customers. It has member farms throughout

Arkansas. The Arkansas Local Food Network, in addition to operating a local food club, publishes a

directory of Little Rock and North Little Rock community and school gardens, area farms and market

gardens, hunger relief efforts seeking donations of local food, and more. Consumers throughout the

state can also find farms, cooperatives, and farmers’ markets close to them through national

websites such as www.localharvest.org.

 In December 2014, three Arkansas communities were named to the White House Rural Council’s

“Local Foods, Local Places” initiative. The communities will receive technical assistance from Federal

agencies on economic development projects involving food. Through this program, the Arkansas

Regional Innovation Hub and North Little Rock will create a Regional Food Innovation Center to

support food entrepreneurs and create a market for local rural farmers; the Flippin School District

will create a farmers’ market; and Osceola will connect its downtown historic district with local food

opportunities.

 Choosing to Excel

Choosing to Excel (C2E), headquartered in Conway, is a regional and community-based

multifaceted healthy choice organization dedicated to impacting lives and making a positive

difference. The program serves schools in Conway, Faulkner, Garland, Saline and Pulaski counties.

C2E’s core components involve educating students on building relationships and life skills

education, entrepreneurship and learning interpersonal skills, community service, doing the “right

thing,” and assisting pregnant teens and single parents. The core components are accomplished

through mentoring, peer-to-peer support and community involvement. The program has led to

fewer trips to school principals’ offices, reduced the juvenile recidivism rate, increased school

attendance rates, led to grade improvements and produced more positive attitudes.
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 47

E. Moving Forward
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 48

E. Moving Forward 

As stated in the Executive Summary of this plan, all of the above initiatives, implemented collectively 

under the canopy of DRA’s goals and Governor Hutchinson’s economic principles, will provide the basis 

for which DRA funding will be utilized to leverage maximum public-private investment throughout the 

five-year (2015-2019) planning period. Further, many of the local initiatives, each a best practice that 

should be replicated throughout the Delta, will help to effectuate community and economic 

development in creative and diverse ways. Obviously, the first step to further success will be the 

continued implementation and expansion of each of the initiatives outlined above. 

The last section of this plan provides five suggestions for stimulating economic growth which emphasize 

the Arkansas Delta’s competitive advantages. 

1. Destination Delta

“Here in Arkansas, we sometimes forget the importance of tourism to our economy. It’s the second 

largest industry in our state behind agriculture. And with its rich history and culture, the Delta is the new 

frontier in Arkansas tourism. By telling its story, we are not only preserving the past, we are preparing for 

the future. I believe in this new vision for the Delta, and I want to do what I can to promote it. I’ve even 

pledged to take a bike ride along a portion of the Heritage Trail this fall. I encourage every Arkansan to 

do the same; to enjoy our great outdoors and to rediscover the Delta. I can’t wait to be a part of it.” 

- Governor Asa Hutchinson 

Arkansans have long enjoyed the natural, historic, cultural and artistic beauty of the Delta. Many 

Arkansans who have enriched the world’s culture – via music, arts, crafts, and other talents – have called 

the Delta home. Further, the natural amenities of the Delta including hunting, fishing, cycling, hiking, 

running and bird watching provide not only recreational opportunities for Delta residents, but also 

economic benefit from non-residents who stay and play throughout the Delta’s diverse geographic 

territory. Finally, the rich history of the Delta, developed over generations is something that should be 

preserved for generations to come. 

Several initiatives can help expand the economic potential of Delta tourism. Chief among these are: 

A. Developing more collaborative efforts to market every aspect of Arkansas Delta tourism, history 

and culture. State agencies including the AEDC, the Arkansas Agriculture Department, the 

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, the Department of Arkansas Heritage, the Arkansas 

Game and Fish Commission, the Arkansas History Commission, the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of 

Fame Board and the Governor’s Office should work collaboratively to increase Internet 

marketing and cross-promote tourism through their agencies marketing and promotional 

efforts. 

B. Better utilizing available incentives including but not limited to the Arkansas Tourism 

Development Act, Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits, Delta Tourism Incentive Act of 2007 and 

the Non-Profit Incentive Act of 2005, to stimulate tourism and historic development. 
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 49

C. Developing a comprehensive web-based database of assets and products that can be promoted 

as Arkansas-made. 

2. Adding Value to Existing Industries

Industries such as agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting; mining, quarrying, and oil and gas 

extraction; and manufacturing should work to add value to every aspect of processing and production to 

ensure that the highest value of finished product is shipped from Arkansas. By doing so, the value of 

exports will be maximized which increases dollars coming into the Delta. This influx of money, when 

coupled with increased retail and services availability, will allow more endogenous expenditures which 

permits spending to circulate throughout the Delta. This will ensure that fewer dollars leave the 

economy, helping to retain wealth. A few examples include: 

A. Adding value to food and kindred products by recruiting more food processing companies to 

capitalize on the expanding demand for more American-grown food. Developing a region-wide 

collaborative to develop and commercialize a global agriculture strategy could help further 

promote Arkansas’s agricultural products to the world.

B. Adding value to forest products by re-shoring companies that manufacture products such as 

furniture, engineered wood products, building materials, and specialty wood products. 

C. Capitalizing of the production of economic base industries such as Nucor, Dassault, Tenaris 

Hickman, Remington, Big River Steel, Caterpillar, Riceland, Lennox, Georgia-Pacific, Hytrol, 

Lockheed, Anchor Packaging, Ranger Boats, Molex, American Railcar, and many others by 

recruiting suppliers and businesses that utilize finished goods such as metals, chemicals, 

electronic components, transportation equipment and food products that these companies 

produce. 

3. Improving Infrastructure Assets

All of the State’s infrastructure and transportation agencies, including the Arkansas Highway and 

Transportation Department, the Arkansas Waterways Commission, the AEDC, the Arkansas Department 

of Aeronautics and the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission should meet periodically to assess the 

needs of the Delta’s transportation systems and to explore potential to leverage funds for projects such 

as: 

A. Port development to take advantage of trade/export expansion through the Panama Canal. 

B. Intermodal facilities to link rail and roads, especially east of the Mississippi, to ensure that 

Arkansas imports and exports can be distributed quickly and cost effectively. 

C. Expansion and integration of four-lane Interstate and Interstate quality highways such as the 

continued expansion of US 67/167, development of I-69, and the development of an I-57 

triangle to better link states within the Delta. 

D. Prioritize identification of potential sites (and supersites) for industrial recruitment. 

E. Assess broadband needs and advocate funding priorities. 
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 50

F. Improve public transportation, especially in regard to workforce mobility.

G. Focus more on “non-traditional” infrastructure assets like walking and biking trails which also 

encourage physical fitness. Additionally, interconnectivity of assets, such as the Delta Heritage 

Trail, should be emphasized to connect multiple Delta geographies. 

H. Focus on “smart” infrastructure and recognize the gap between needs and available funding. 

This is especially critical for local infrastructure such as utilities, roads and bridges. 

4. Recruit Industries that Match the Delta’s Unique Competitive Advantages

A sampling of potential industries includes: 

A. Manufacturing industries such as agricultural machinery, transportation equipment, industrial 

machinery, recreational and sporting equipment, and which are close to domestic markets and 

are also accessible to foreign markets via the Mississippi River, can be recruited. Further, any 

companies that can supply Walmart should be viable recruitment targets. 

B. Logistics-intensive industry, such as warehousing, distribution, trucking, data centers, terminal 

storage/pipelines due to due to the Delta’s North American geographic centricity. 

C. Fuel production, including gas, oil and biomass products are development possibilities 

throughout Arkansas Delta’s natural-resource rich counties. 

5. Focus on Quality of Place

A great place to start would be focusing on Area Development Magazines’ Consultant Survey of top 

quality-of-life factors: 31

 Climate

 Housing Availability

 Housing Costs

 Healthcare Facilities

 Ratings of Public Schools

 Cultural Opportunities

 Recreational Opportunities

 Colleges and Universities in the Area

 Low Crime Rate

With the exception of climate, local communities can work to improve all of the above factors. 

Additionally, quality of place can be enhanced significantly by: 

31 Area Development, Annual Study of Site Selection Consultants 2014, http://www.areadevelopment.com/CorporateConsultants-Survey-Results/Q1-2015/11th-site-selection-consultants-corporate-RE-survey-8802177.shtml 
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 51

A. Providing enhanced leadership training for youth, government, business, economic 

development, non-profit and civic organizations. 

B. Work to increase the base of philanthropy and volunteerism. 

C. Develop programs to retain youth and encourage repatriation of Delta residents. 

D. Further advocacy for national attention to rural Arkansas, especially the Delta. 

E. Aligning broad-based support from Arkansas’s Delta Congressional and State legislative 

delegations. 

F. Prioritize downtown development/redevelopment.

G. Re-appropriate funding for the Regional Economic Development Partnership funding through 

AEDC (Act 895 of 2011). 
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 52

Appendix A

DRA SEDAP Investments in Arkansas

In addition to the data below, the DRA funded nine (9) projects in FY 2015, resulting in $1,278,531 DRA 

grants which leveraged $106,654,280 in public and private investment.

Source: Delta Regional Authority, Investments in the Delta, http://dra.gov/funding-programs/dra-investments-throughoutthe-delta-1-1/, retrieved November 16, 2015.
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 53

Appendix B

Stakeholder Engagement

1. OVERVIEW

➢ June 30, 2015 - DRA Listening Session, Pine Bluff Arkansas

➢ November 13, 2015 - Arkansas Plan Stakeholder Engagement Meeting, Little Rock

On June 30, 2015, 40 persons participated in a listening session in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to help the Delta 

Regional Authority (DRA) prepare for its new five-year strategic plan. The event, held in nine (9) other 

Delta locations, was structured in two-hour conversations and was led by senior staff members of TIP 

Strategies, a 20-year economic consulting firm from Austin, Texas.

The Pine Bluff event began with a 15-minute data presentation showing some of the global and local 

economic changes in the region. Topics such as globalization, urbanization, sector shifts in employment 

and the unevenness of the recent economic recovery were introduced.

Participants discussed the following concerns and needs:

• more, and better, jobs

• quality of life or quality of place

• low cost and widely available broadband access

• youth exodus/brain drain 

• need for increased civic or business leadership

• crumbling infrastructure

• lack of education, skills, and training

• improvement of the local workforce in their community

• increased investment in educational institutions

• re-invention of education and the workforce system 

Suggestions for how to improve the economic vitality of Delta communities included:

• a regional focus on improving the entrepreneurial skills of citizens and students

• taking advantage of available natural resources to capitalize on the expanding demand 

for more American-grown food
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 54

• cultural tourism

• increased national policy attention to rural America 

On November 13, 2015, the Arkansas State Plan Development Team, led by Arkansas Governor Asa 

Hutchinson’s Designee and Alternate to the DRA, Amy Fecher, conducted a Stakeholder Engagement 

Session. This meeting helped to inform Arkansas's updated strategic plan, in alignment with the Delta 

Regional Development Plan III (RDP III), which will guide Arkansas's priorities for the next five years.

As part of the planning process, the Arkansas team was seeking the input of key stakeholders that play 

important roles in promoting and improving the economic strengths of the Arkansas Delta region. A 

discussion took place on strategies for addressing the region's economic challenges and opportunities, 

and asked for input on effective economic development approaches and best practices.

The Little Rock event began with a 5-minute presentation by Ted Abernathy, Managing Partner of 

Economic Leadership, an economic development leadership firm, outlining the scope of the RDP III Plan, 

and an overview of the three Goals:

Goal 1: Workforce Competitiveness

Goal 2: Infrastructure 

Goal 3: Community Competitiveness

The Arkansas team followed with an overview of the Governor’s major initiatives since inauguration, 

and how the Arkansas Plan would align the DRA Goals with the Governor’s priorities.

There were 32 attendees, who were asked, and answered:

What is missing from the Arkansas team’s presentation as a goal, priority or action?

• Food products

• Arts and music

• Tourism

• Smart infrastructure versus expanding out

• Local economic developer education

• Healthy Delta 

• Regional Development Organizations

• Start-ups and their benefit, and expanding

• Affordable housing and housing availability
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 55

• Expatriate recruitment back to the State

• Revenue building for municipalities through infrastructure and utilities

• Better storytelling and promotion of the State

Workforce – How do we fix it?

• Fix disconnect between business/industry and the education system 

• Break down niches, silos, and territorialism in workforce education

• Promote role of career coaches

• Expand career readiness to non-traditional careers

• Enhance pipeline of teachers 

• Stress importance of non-four-year education careers to high school students

• Address problems of workers not passing drug tests

Where should our infrastructure focus be?

• Recognize gap between needs and available funding

• What is infrastructure - Is digital infrastructure included

• Roads, bridges and water lines are inadequate or nonexistent

• Physical infrastructure is key to be marketable, both digital and physical

• Highway projects including I-69 and US 67/167 might be key

• Designating I-57 through Arkansas would create a triangle through the Delta

• Innovation Hub makerspace in every county - Need to have youth become makers of 

technology, not just users of technology

• Long term water usage and availability in the Delta

• Improve education of community board members about economic development, 

especially leadership and entrepreneurship

• Align projects and improve collaboration between agencies addressing workforce issues
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 56

What is working and making a difference?

• Teach for America

• Jobs for America's Graduates, and Career Readiness Certificates

• El Dorado Promise and the Arkadelphia Promise

• Local Food Initiatives: community gardens and co-ops, community kitchens, farm-totable, www.localharvest.org, http://grassrootscoop.com

• Community gardens

• High school level robotics competitions in the state

• Boys and Girls Clubs 

• Downtown revitalization programs

• The College Initiative 

• Wynne public school academics

• Main Street Arkansas

• Siloam springs industrial mechanics program (high school)

• ADTEC

• KIPP programs

• Creative funding for sources for economic development, ex. ReNewport in Newport, AR

• Mentorship programs in schools, Choosing to Excel 

• UCA DREAM TEAM successful mentorship program

• USDA Rural Development

• Nonprofit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, City of Hope Outreach

• Let’s Paint Stuttgart

• Southern Bancorp identified need for CAN’s in Phillips Co--100% placement rate for 

graduates of the program

• Innovation infrastructure network, starting with the Arkansas Innovation Hub

• Leveraging ED funds from many sources for a project
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 57

• Tourism

• Self-help communities and regions-working towards real change, not just solely for 

grant funds

• Kickstart Cleveland County

What is some advice as the Team moves forward with Plan?

• Make it legislatively feasible

• Align all of our funding strategies so we can have a bigger impact

• Avoid duplicating services

• How do communities connect to the plan 

• Think entrepreneurially 

• How can we align with foundations

• Look at technology that will change the world

• Encourage adaptable skills and intellectual agility within workforce

• Align with region, like Memphis area, for culture, tourism, entrepreneurship, and in the arts

• Provide funding for regional ED groups to implement goals and strategies 

• Reduce burdensome bureaucracy in public schools

• In Infrastructure, focus on multi-model/intermodal to build resiliency and provide choices

• For workforce development, focus on skills education, knowledge, and attitude

• Encourage strategic investments and investments; right size investments and incentives

• Listen to local leaders and stakeholders

• Increase affordable high-speed broadband network

• Downtown redevelopment

• Build on downtown development for new creative place making strategies

• Secondary area centers and career academics in high school

• Regional cooperation and coordination; locally-driven decision making

• Community involvement/partnerships in schools due to less money
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 58

• Develop a broadband plan, with infrastructure marketing

• Improve schools – more technology and mentoring programs in elementary

• Encourage technical schools and colleges

• Workforce and work skill training

• Housing, crime prevention, and offering youth leadership programs in community and 

economic development

• Youth entrepreneurship programs and career coaching

• Improve public transportation in metro areas

• Competitive bonus/incentive program for K-12 teach performance

• Develop a region wide collaborative to develop and commercialize a global agriculture 

strategy

• Regional marketing and promotion focused on talent and industry recruitment

• Expand Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) should have two programs, including one for 

local college graduates

• Invest in a Healthy Delta

• More strategic budgeting

• Tourism promotion, more

• More use of commodities as in state manufacturing inputs – food processing

• More emphasis on effective regional/economic development organizations

• Increase understanding of importance of “place making” by economic developers and 

politicians

• Implement smart growth policies and build sustainability into every community for longterm success

• Don’t separate issues - Example: health and workforce; health and innovation, and 

workforce and infrastructure - It’s all connected

• Decrease governmental role in what nonprofits do best, but point governmental funds 

towards what nonprofits direct through data 
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 59

What are some of our wish list items, if we had a million dollars?

• Road upgrades in industrial park

• Workforce readiness

• Infrastructure & more access to broadband

• Health centers in each town/county -- exercise classes, walking trails, access to healthy food

• Leadership development experiences available for real change-makers

• Develop inner city infrastructure (roads) and amenities (walking trails, bike lanes, public 

art, etc.) to significantly increase quality of life and connectivity – implement smart 

growth principles

• Teach our opportunities to the youth

2. Planning and Development Districts

Assisting the DRA are 44 Local Development Districts (LDDs), known as Planning and Development 

Districts (PDDs) or Economic Development Districts in Arkansas, from its eight-state region. These 

regional entities have a proven record of helping small cities and counties improve basic 

infrastructure and stimulate growth. Arkansas’s six PDDs located in the Delta will be the “frontline” facilitators within their districts, to publicize, educate and provide technical assistance for the 

DRA process.
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 60

These districts serve as a liaison between the DRA and local governments, non-profit organizations, the 

business community, and citizens interested in working with DRA. In addition, they identify, develop, 

and implement programs and activities that educate local stakeholders about the DRA and its economic 

and community development programs through public hearings or input forums.

Statewide planning and development districts in Arkansas engage in multifaceted tasks directly related 

to regional planning. Chief among these activities are community and economic planning/GIS, business 

development financing, grant writing and administration, waste management, data collection and 

dissemination, workforce development, and transportation planning.

The planning and development districts are a ready source of professional and technical information and 

network extensively with state and federal resource agencies. All are proficient in understanding the 

requirements of all state and most federal funding sources including the Delta Regional Authority, 

Department of Housing and Urban Development, Small Business Administration, United States 

Department of Agriculture, Economic Development Administration, Federal Emergency Management 

Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Justice, etc. 

Most importantly, the PDDs are responsible for ensuring the suitability, completeness, eligibility, and 

quality of grant applications, as well as ensuring they are representative of the priorities set forth by the 

Governor and the DRA.

Additional services set out for the districts may include:

 Identifying and recommending to the Governor a list of priority projects for DRA 

consideration

 Providing a semiannual report of its activities to the DRA’s Federal Program Coordinator

 Assisting the approved grantees by conducting the actual grant closing process including 

document explanation, execution, and dissemination.

3. Public Input Forums Recommendations

Arkansas is committed to following the public input forum guidelines formulated by DRA and 

incorporates them by reference into this section of Arkansas’s Five Year Delta Development Plan for the 

Delta Regional Authority.

As stated by the DRA, public forums are committed to increasing public engagement and assuring 

grassroots input into its programs and processes by bringing more citizens into the process of building 

economic capacity in the Delta region. Forums are generally held annually by each of the local 

development districts within the DRA territory to explain the DRA grant process and garner public input 

into serious economic and community development challenges affecting the Delta region. The DRA has 

established specific recommendations regarding private sector engagement and performance measures 

that warrant specific detail.
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 61

Private Sector Engagement

The Delta region public forums should strive to incorporate greater participation and input from all 

sectors, especially the business sector. This will help increase awareness of public and private concerns 

and improve the environment for private sector investment. 

Strategies for increasing participation and engagement include:

 Each public forum should include a presentation on local and regional business conditions 

and trends at an annual economic forecast. Business leaders and managers are not likely 

to have a significant interest in participating in a discussion exclusively about federal 

infrastructure grants to non-profit organizations. The key to generating greater interest 

within the business community is to provide useful information that will help them make 

decisions about markets, investments, and hiring.

 Planning and Development Districts should consider partnering with local chambers of 

commerce and economic development organizations in organizing and publicizing the 

forums.

 Committing resources to marketing and publicizing events will serve to broaden 

participation from within the district.

 Inviting state community and economic development officials to attend forums will 

increase interest from both the media and the public. Participation at forums will increase 

state officials’ awareness of the conditions and needs in the host community.

 Rather than concentrating exclusively on local parochial interests, the public forum 

moderator should steer the public discussion toward issues of regional importance, both 

within individual states and within the Delta region as a whole.

 As access to technology permits, planning and development districts should look for ways 

to utilize information technology and the Web to gather and process input. Allowing 

participants to fill out pre- and post-forum questionnaires on the Web is a first step. 

Additional Web-based public discourse tools include online deliberation, virtual forums, 

message boards, blogs, and online polls. 

In order to measure the effectiveness of the public input forms, each planning and development district 

should prepare a post-forum report outlining the activities and results. The report should be forwarded 

to the DRA as part of the required semiannual and annual activity reports.

The report should include such measures as:

 Was the forum conducted?

 Was there a presentation on business community conditions/issues?
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 62

 Was a pre-and post-forum survey distributed?

4. Communication of Plan

The plan will be disseminated utilizing a variety of methods including:

a. Direct mail to mayors, county judges, state and federal legislators, community and 

economic developers, planning and economic development district directors, postsecondary institutions, regional economic development partnerships, administering 

agencies, and other stakeholders.

b. Posting of the plan on the websites of partnering agencies, districts and the DRA.

c. Distribution at public input forums.

d. Governor’s Office press release.
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 63

Appendix C

College and Career Coaches Initiatives
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 64

Appendix D

Arkansas CDBG Allocation and Map of CDBG Delta-Funded Projects (2012-2015)
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 65

Appendix E

Quick Action Closing Fund Projects in the Delta (2007-2015)
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 66

Appendix F
State of Arkansas Delta Development Plan 67

Governor Asa Hutchinson

Amy Fecher, Designee and Alternate

Office of the Governor

State Capitol, Room 250

Little Rock, AR 72201

(501) 682-2345

governor@governor.arkansas.gov