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   The Southeast Arkansas Cornerstone Coalition, Inc., a six-county regional economic development organization, recently adopted its legislative agenda for the 86th General Assembly.

   The agenda identifies needs and issues in Southeast Arkansas and addresses the regional organization’s program of work, including infrastructure, quality of life, human capital, education and business development.

   “Making the governmental officials aware of the situations and needs in Southeast Arkansas is important for the growth of the cornerstone region,” said Cornerstone Executive Director Jo Anne Smith. “Regional thinking and action is necessary to be successful in today’s global economy. Therefore, organizations such as the Southeast Arkansas Cornerstone Coalition Inc. are essential to the economic development of Arkansas.”

   Infrastructure priorities include rail into Yellow Bend Port, utilization of unused rail to Snow Lake, State Waterways Commission funding, and federal and state matching dollars for the Southeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Facility near Wilmar.

    The agenda also includes a focus on water quality and quantity, in particular the Ouachita and Tensaw River watersheds. The agenda also addresses quality of life issues including a rural emphasis on the State Housing Trust Fund and a focus on recreation and cultural tourism in areas such as Lake Chicot, Moro Bay, the Ouachita River and Cane Creek, as well as a request for matching dollars for healthcare and Medicaid to aid in drug treatment, rehabilitative, elderly and H Care. Human capital and educational priorities include recognizing the importance of an established formula for need-based funding for K-12 and Higher Education and non-formula funding for UAM’s Heavy Equipment Operator Training Academy based in Warren.

   Some of the specific business development recommendations for the region include a conversion provision to allow income tax credits to be used to offset sales tax liability, a 100 percent sales tax exemption for energy purchases by manufacturing sector and the establishment of an Income Tax Credit Bank. The Coalition would like to see extended authority for Act 9 Industrial Revenue Bond financing for retail, health care, office and hospitality/tourism projects, provided they reach minimum levels of $5 million capital investment of $2 million annual payroll creation.

    The group supports a rebate for manufacturers of biofuels and credit for bioenergy production, and recommends that “big box” retailer’s automotive department sales tax be earmarked for highways rather than general revenue after the average threshold has been reached.

   Also included in the Cornerstone’s legislative agenda is a recommendation to change the Section of Independent Utility on the Great River Bridge into three sections (two approaches and the bridge); support for the Highway Bond (inclusive of the U.S. Highway System); and more Commission and Board Appointments from Southeast Arkansas.

   “The Southeast Arkansas Cornerstone Coalition Inc. region, encompassing Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Desha, Drew and Lincoln counties, is an economic unit that will keep Southeast Arkansas vital as we compete for new growth and better jobs,” said Lisa Stocker, president of the coalition.

   Stocker emphasized that regional approaches to economic development, land use and infrastructure planning, expansion of quality of life and education, conservation of our land and natural resources, or support for amenities such as sports and cultural activities will not happen without the full cooperation and support of each county’s civic leadership, local leadership and citizens.

   “Regional relationships are critical in today’s economic environment. By joining Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Desha, Drew and Lincoln Counties together, the region is now considered a micropolitan statistical area. This fact not only puts us on the map but also will give us great opportunities in the future. We are making a difference for Southeast Arkansas,” said Lynn Rodgers, vice president of programs and Ashley County resident.

   The Southeast Arkansas Cornerstone Coalition Inc. is a non-profit organization formed in September 2003 by leaders of Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Desha, Drew and Lincoln Counties to achieve job creation and income generation; human resource development; reversal of out-migration trends; improved infrastructure, including telecommunications; entrepreneurial development; technology development and application; and voter registration. The organization serves as an economic development group for the Southeast Arkansas region.