Intermodal Authority Meets in Monticello

The Southeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority met in Monticello on February 15, 2012.  The board reviewed the financial statement and bills paid and owned.

Action was taken on bids received Tuesday, February 14, 2012 for water and sewer line installation on the Intermodal site located on Highway 278 just east of Wilmar.  The companies submitted low bids on various portions of the project:

1.  Gravity Line and Pump Station - low bid was Peek Construction, Inc. in the amount of $336,308.00

2.  Water line - low bid was Reece Construction Co., Inc in the amount of $165,805.00

3.  Force Main - low bid was Reece Construction Co., Inc. in the amount of $59,460.00

Total project cost was $594,298.00.

Grant funds from the United States Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration will pay for 2/3 of the total with local matching funds and the U.S. Delta Regional Authority will cover the other 1/3.

Local funds are provided by owners of the Intermodal  which includes the City of Monticello, City of Warren, Drew County, and Bradley County.  The board approved the low bids for contract pending approval by EDA and DRA and a complete review by the Engineer, Garver and Garver.  Also approved was a contract with Garver for $42,000.00 to oversee construction.  The board also requested the water and sewer manager for the City of Warren and the City of Monticello Water and Sewer Departments inspect the work and oversee the implementation.


Work will start as soon as weather permits and should take about 120 days to complete.  Upon completion, the 354 acre site will have complete water and sewer capabilities.  Thanks was expressed to theUAM Heavy Equipment School for assistance in clearing the construction site which saves thousands of dollars in cost.

Some 20 board members and guests were present and listened to a presentation by personnel from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission relating to the site selection website the state operates.  The Intermodal Park and other industrial sites in South Arkansas are shown on the extensive website.  The board was told that many companies use the Internet to locate sites for new plants and seldom visit a community or talk to a community until they have narrowed down the potential locations.

Additional funds will be required to construct a water tower and to provide appropriate fire protection for the Intermodal Park.  The Authority continues solving money from all available sources.