ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — A major economic development initiative in Clark County officially began Monday, July 7, 2025, as state and local leaders gathered to break ground on the newly named Southwest Arkansas Mega Site, a 991-acre property poised for large-scale industrial development.

Held at the Richwood Substation in Gum Springs, the ceremony marked a significant milestone in a $2.14 million project backed by state and local investment, including a $1,013,710 site development grant from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s (AEDC) inaugural Site Development Program.

“The Arkansas Site Development Program was designed to help communities take charge of their economic future by developing their industrial infrastructure,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the AEDC. “Clark County is taking a major step in this direction with the development of the Southwest Arkansas Mega Site. Companies want sites that are construction ready, and these state and local funds put the community one step closer to having an excellent mega site that is among the top sites in the country. Congratulations to the leadership in Clark County for having the vision to invest in their future.”

The site, formerly known as the Clark County Super Site, was renamed as part of a strategic branding effort aimed at improving its national and global appeal for major manufacturing and logistics projects.

With funding awarded in December 2024, the Southwest Arkansas Mega Site is one of 13 locations receiving support through the $10 million Site Development Program aimed at fast-tracking shovel-ready industrial properties statewide.

Located adjacent to the Clark County Industrial Park, the mega site will undergo site certification, due diligence studies, and erosion control engineering. These improvements are expected to enhance the site’s attractiveness to prospective employers.

“Site development is a strategic investment that improves our ability to attract new businesses and create jobs,” said Shelley Short, CEO of the Economic Development Corp. of Clark County (EDCCC). “Project-ready sites send a clear message that our community is serious about growth and ready to compete. With support from AEDC, Governor Sanders, and the Arkansas General Assembly, we’re strengthening regional competitiveness and laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth.”

Bailey Construction of Little Rock has been selected to lead the site development process. State Senator Steve Crowell, along with local officials and community members, attended the event to mark the start of this transformative project.

The launch of the Southwest Arkansas Mega Site reflects a broader statewide effort to ensure rural regions are equipped to attract large-scale employers. By investing in due diligence, permitting, and core infrastructure, Clark County is not just competing for jobs — it’s actively preparing for the industries of tomorrow.

Beyond infrastructure, the site has the potential to deliver long-term economic benefits through workforce growth, regional supply chain development, and investment from advanced manufacturing and logistics companies. With proximity to existing industrial assets and transportation corridors, the site’s competitive positioning is expected to attract national interest.

The EDCCC says that over the next year, additional marketing efforts will be rolled out to attract major tenants, with site readiness expected to accelerate deal-making opportunities. Arkansas' push to create more construction-ready megasites is aimed at landing game-changing projects that could bring hundreds — or even thousands — of jobs to rural communities.

As Clark County lays the foundation, literally and figuratively, the message is clear: Southwest Arkansas is ready to build its future.

Originally reported by Arkadelphian.