LR Port achieves Entergy Arkansas ‘Select Site’ certification for 875-acre megasite

The Little Rock Regional Chamber and Entergy Arkansas announced Friday (March 7) the completion of its Select Site certification for a new 875-acre industrial megasite located on the southeastern portion of the Little Rock Port.

Representatives from both organizations along with U.S. Rep. French Hill, R-Little Rock; Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr.; Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde; and leadership from the Little Rock Port Authority attended a press conference.

Select Site is an initiative designed to provide Entergy Arkansas-served communities with a competitive advantage and shovel-ready sites. This developmental and promotional tool allows communities to certify sites using a set of comprehensive and pre-determined criteria to better satisfy site location searches by consultants and companies.

“In 2016, I called Rep. French Hill requesting help in scheduling a meeting with the FAA to discuss relocating the VOR Cone at the Little Rock Port,” said Jay Chesshir, president and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber. “As a past chairman of the Little Rock Regional Chamber, Rep. Hill understood it was essential to the future economic growth of the central Arkansas region. That was the first step in a decade-long journey in partnership with Bryan Day and the Little Rock Port Authority to study this site, acquire the property, build the infrastructure, and take the site to market, which we are officially doing today.

“Thanks to unprecedented investment from Mayor Scott and the Little Rock City Board of Directors, with infrastructure support from Judge Barry Hyde and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, this is the largest certified industrial site in central Arkansas and is well-suited for a large manufacturer who needs access to interstates, rail and port facilities, plus adjacent land for suppliers,” Chesshir added. “The additional marketing that comes with certification also provides our site with an advantage as we compete for investment against other markets around the United States. Our last certified site led to our recruitment of Amazon, which has created thousands of jobs for people across the metro Little Rock region. We hope to have an even larger impact with the Little Rock Port Megasite.”

The Select Site initiative helps communities better prepare their sites as winning candidates for high-tech, manufacturing and distribution projects with a thorough audit of the site’s readiness for new or expanding business.

“In Arkansas, we are prioritizing the development of shovel-ready sites to attract top-tier companies to our state,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “The Little Rock Port Megasite will be a significant asset for the state of Arkansas as we pursue economic development prospects, and Entergy’s ‘Select Site’ certification positions it as a location that meets the qualifications that site selectors and companies look for in an industrial site.”

A grant was provided by Entergy Arkansas to help offset some of the costs associated with the certification. Also, as a benefit of certification, custom videos and 360 images of the site were created by Entergy. The megasite will be featured on the Arkansas Site Selection Center.

“A site of this size comes with the expectation that utility partners will be able to provide the necessary infrastructure and energy to power large customers,” said Laura Landreaux, president and CEO of Entergy Arkansas. “This is one important reason we are advocating for the Generating Arkansas Jobs Act of 2025 to ensure that we are prepared to provide all of Arkansas with the power they need to attract high-paying jobs and great employers. That is why we appreciate the governor for supporting the Generating Arkansas Jobs Act and the General Assembly for considering the policy necessary to attract these jobs and investments in our state.”

Other Select Site properties are located in Jefferson County, Magnolia, Newport, Osceola, Russellville, West Memphis, and Wynne.

Recently announced projects in the state that have begun operations or are under construction on former Select Sites include an Amazon Fulfillment Center in Little Rock, Owens Corning in Russellville and the Tractor Supply Co. distribution center in Maumelle.