Area chambers prep for Legislative Session

The chambers of commerce in Fort Smith and Van Buren are gearing up for the 88th Arkansas General Assembly with the simple goal of protecting and supporting a few key area priorities.

A 7-point priority package has been developed by the two chambers, with economic development at the top of the list. That priority seeks to encourage legislative support for Arkansas Economic Development programs that keep the state competitive in job recruitment. The priority also asks the state to “encourage job creation through business expansions” and provide incentives for capital investment that increases jobs.

“I believe everybody realizes the importance of economic development and making it easier for businesses to operate in Arkansas,” said Ricky Cross, a regional manager for AT&T and the chair of the Governmental Affairs Division of the Fort Smith chamber.

Another priority is to seek continued funding for the Regional Intermodal Transportation Authority. RITA was launched in late 2009 thanks to $325,000 from Arkansas secured primarily through the efforts of former Rep. Rick Green, R-Van Buren. The start-up funding was to last two years, but is expected to support RITA for 2.5 years, said Mat Pitsch, intermodal project manager for the Western Arkansas Planning and Development District (WAPDD).

Language from the two chambers notes: “The work of the Western Arkansas Regional Intermodal Transportation Authority is long-term. The efforts of RITA will improve transportation infrastructure in the two-county area and is whole heartedly supported by the Counties of Crawford and Sebastian and the Cities of Fort Smith and Van Buren.  All four local entities have pledges to secure financial support for RITA in 2011 and recognize the need to provide such “seed money” until the RITA is able to produce revenue on its own.”

RITA is working on an $8 million infrastructure plan, with $5 million sought from federal sources. The plan would improve rail at Chaffee Crossing, begin to develop a 30-acre site near the Van Buren port and build a 50-acre economic development zone at Chaffee Crossing.

“We want to see continued support for that,” said Van Buren Chamber President Jackie Krutsch. “To get federal money, it’s important for us to show that we have local and state support.”

Crawford County, Sebastian County, the city of Fort Smith and the city of Van Buren have already committed a combined $100,000 for RITA funding.

And it goes without saying that the two chambers also seek to push for whatever state support possible for the completion of Interstate 49 through the Fort Smith region and all of western Arkansas.

Other items on the priority list are:
• Support an effort to exempt sales taxes — now at 3.25% — on energy used by manufacturers;
• Support efforts to return the Arkansas Unemployment Insurance Fund — which may owes around $450 million to the federal government by the end of 2011— to solvency;
• Lobby for full funding of the Area Health Education Center’s, especially the center in Fort Smith; and,
• Encourage appropriate funding for Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus and the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.

The lobbying effort also includes the Western Arkansas Legislative Gala, which is scheduled for Feb. 1 in Little Rock at Next Level Events. Several chambers, cities and businesses in western Arkansas are involved in sponsoring and hosting the event. The event brings together Fort Smith area business and civic leaders with members of the Arkansas Legislature and other top government officials.

“This is our chance to go to Little Rock and show our support to our state legislators and bend their ear on what’s important for Western Arkansas,” noted a message from the Fort Smith chamber.

Link here for access to a three-part review of the top issues likely to surface during the 88th Arkansas General Assembly.