ASU Board Approves Big River Steel Program, Superproject Groundbreaking Monday

Any student will be able to literally learn the “tools of the trade” as part of a new construction program at Arkansas State University-Newport.

The Arkansas State University Board of Trustees voted Friday to approve a Certificate of Proficiency in Construction Technology for the Big River Steel project.

The groundbreaking for the $1.3 billion steel mill is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday (Sept. 22) at the site. Company officials announced last year plans to build the superproject south of Osceola, leading to 2,000 construction jobs and 500 full-time workers to be employed at the mill.

Dr. Sandra Massey, ASU-Newport chancellor, said students will be able to complete the program in a semester, with the students learning the basics in hand and construction tools.

ASU-Newport has been working with three other area colleges – Arkansas Northeastern College in Blytheville, Mid-South Community College in West Memphis and East Arkansas Community College in Forrest City – to create the program.

The next step is to hire an instructor/recruiter to advance the project. There is a constant need for construction workers, with projects like Big River Steel, Massey said.

The program will be funded by federal and state grants, state economic development funds and support from different industries.

Massey said officials are awaiting word on the grant, with word expected by early October. If the grant is received, the program is expected to start in January, Massey said.

Osceola Mayor Dickie Kennemore said the certificate will help meet a definitive need and will be a big plus for Big River Steel and other steel-related companies in the area.

“I am glad they approved the program. It is a point that we have advocated that it will not only benefit Northeast Arkansas but Arkansas as well,” Kennemore said.