• Interstate 69
    Background:  Interstate development is a key to economic development.  The counties
    within the State of Arkansas showing population increases, income growth, and general
    prosperity, by and large are located on Interstates.  By most measures of economic well-
    being, counties located south of Interstate 30 and 40 are falling well behind the counties
    located north of Interstate 30 and 40.

    Goal:  To support the development and funding of the selected corridor for Interstate 69.

    Objective:  To increase economic development opportunities of the Cornerstone region
    by gaining access to the Interstate Highway System.

    Scope:  Regional

    Target:  Federal Delegation

  • Interstate 69 Connector
    Background:  An interstate highway connection between Little Rock, Arkansas and
    Monroe, Louisiana is necessary to fully take advantage of Interstate 69.  A feasibility study
    completed in the fall of 2008 demonstrated a positive 2.6:1 cost benefit ratio of building the
    connection between Wilmar, Arkansas and Monroe, Louisiana.

    Goal:  To continue to support and fund efforts to build the Interstate 69 Connector.

    Objective:  To increase the economic development opportunities of the Cornerstone
    region by gaining access to the Interstate Highway System.

    Scope:  Regional


  • Great River Bridge
    Background:  The Great River Bridge is critical to bringing Interstate 69 into Arkansas from
    Mississippi.  The Great River Bridge will cost in excess of $700 Million, and must have a
    well establish business plan to pay for its construction.  The Cornerstone Coalition
    supports the development of such a plan and the funding and construction of the Great
    River Bridge as soon as possible at its current alignment.

    Goal:  To see the construction and completion of the Great River Bridge at Arkansas City.

    Objective:  To bring Interstate 69 into Arkansas near Arkansas City, Arkansas via the
    Great River Bridge.

    Scope:  Regional        

    Target:  Federal Delegation
 
  • Highway Trust Fund
    Background:  It is critical that the United States Highway Trust Fund remain solvent.  The
    Highway Trust Fund must remain financially sound for the United States to remain
    competitive in today’s global economy.

    Goal:  To encourage our Federal Legislators to take measures to ensure the Highway
    Trust Fund remains solvent.

    Objective:  Without a sound Highway Trust Fund, Interstate 69, the Great River Bridge
    and the Interstate 69 Connector are not likely to be built.

    Scope:  Regional        

    Target:  Federal Delegation

  • Rail Service to Yellow Bend Port
    Background:  The Port at Yellow Bend is the first Arkansas Port on the Mississippi River
    going north from New Orleans.  Yellow Bend could become a “Port of Significance” to many
    companies importing goods into the United States through the Port of New Orleans if were
    equipped with a rail connection to a Class I rail line.  Significant investment and
    employment would result from the increase in transportation options a rail connection
    would provide.

    Goal:  To connect the Yellow Bend Port with rail service to a class I rail line.

    Objective:  To bring additional transportation options into Southeast Arkansas thereby
    increasing investments and job opportunities in the region.

    Scope:  Regional        

    Target:  Federal Delegation

  • Southeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority
    Background:  The Southeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority will be a unique
    operation in Southeast Arkansas and will enhance and add value to the Yellow Bend Port
    when rail service is established at the port.  The intermodal facility is being developed at
    the convergence of Interstate 69, Interstate 69 Connector, the Arkansas Midland Rail
    Road, Gas Transmission Lines and other infrastructure valued by industry.

    Goal:  To continue support and funding for the Southeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal
    Authority.

    Objective:  To build a unique facility for large industrial/warehousing companies to invest
    in new facilities providing jobs in the Cornerstone region.

    Scope:  Regional        

    Target:  Federal Delegation

  • General Port Infrastructure
    Background:  In 2001 the Arkansas State Legislature passed the Port Priority Improvement
    Act of 2001 to provide for grant funds for infrastructure improvements at Arkansas Ports.  
    The Arkansas Economic Development Commission promotes Arkansas as a place where
    no city is more than a few miles from a navigable waterway.

    Goal:  To fund Act 1546 of 2001, “The Port Priority Improvement Act,” with $5 million, to
    provide grant funds for Arkansas ports for infrastructure.

    Objective:  To make available grant funds for Infrastructure for Arkansas Ports and help
    spur economic development by equipping Arkansas ports making them competitive as
    industrial sites.  

    Scope:  Statewide
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© Southeast Arkansas Cornerstone Coalition, Inc.
P.O. Box 3084 | UAM - Harris Hall Room 331 | Monticello, Arkansas 71656
Phone 870-460-1224 | Fax 870-460-1450 | Email seymore@searkcornerstone.org