Craighead County justices approve Tax Back for FMH Conveyors

A company that announced a $12.5 million expansion with a new facility in Jonesboro is eligible to receive sales tax rebates, Craighead County justices voted Monday (April 25).

In a relatively short meeting, justices voted 13-0 to allow FMH Conveyors to participate in the Arkansas Tax Back program. According to state law, the program allows companies to receive refunds on the purchase of building materials and equipment.

Company and state officials announced March 23 that the company, which makes conveyors to load and unload trucks, will move its facilities in Georgia and Virginia into a 195,000 square foot facility in Jonesboro.

At least 110 jobs will be created through the expansion, officials said in March. Scott Bridger, who serves as Vice President and General Manager at the Jonesboro facility, told justices Monday that construction has been delayed in recent weeks due to rains. Construction is set to start Monday (May 2) and is expected to be done by November 1, with the facility fully operational by mid-2017.

In other action, justices heard from justice Josh Longmire about the recent trip to Washington, D.C., sponsored by the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce. Longmire, who traveled on the trip, said it was productive with officials discussing two main issues – changing U.S. 67 from Walnut Ridge to North Little Rock to interstate status and upgrades to the Jonesboro Municipal Airport.

U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., announced Monday (April 25) that a provision was placed into the 2017 Transportation bill to name the road “the Future I-57.” Longmire said the upgrades will also allow larger aircraft to fly into the airport.