Entergy Arkansas Donation Lights Up Downtown Bridges

As part of Entergy Arkansas’ 100th anniversary, the state’s largest electric utility donated $2.4 million in April to light three bridges in downtown Little Rock across the Arkansas River.

Thursday night, officials with the cities of Little Rock and North Little Rock and with Entergy were joined by former Pres. Bill Clinton for a ceremonial lighting.

Hubert Tate with our content partner, Fox 16 News, reports:

Entergy Arkansas made a $2.4 million donation to the cities of Little Rock and North Little Rock on Thursday night. The company gave a LED light system to three bridges between the two cities.

The Junction, Clinton, and Main Street bridges will operate with a light display every day and a special show on the weekends.

“I think it’s great when the public and private sectors work like that,” said spectator Jeff Morris. “So I think it’s great that Entergy would work with Little Rock and North Little Rock to do this for the community.”

Former President Bill Clinton spoke briefly about the revitalization of the area near the Clinton Library. Some people say the ongoing efforts to brighten the area are working.

“I lived downtown off of 7th and Cumberland back when they started the revitalization effort, and I didn’t know if it would ever make it. I am pleased to see how it has taken off,” said Brad Jestice, who is an Entergy worker and was also chosen randomly to light one of the bridges.

Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola says the light display will be a featured attraction for many.

“It will bring people from all over to the area from all over the state,” said Stodola.

Planners say the ceremony brought 5,500 people to the area.

You can watch a full report and see video of the bridges at this link.