De-Listed Superfund Sites Lead Regional Redevelopments

The West Central Arkansas Planning and Development District (WCAPDD) redeveloped a lumber mill in Plainview, Arkansas.

During the remediation and redevelopment of this Superfund site, WCAPDD was able to carve out a noncontaminated piece to be redeveloped into a small industrial park for the City of Plainview. The site was once home to Plainview Lumber Company, which declared bankruptcy in October 1986 and abandoned the site. The property was then transferred to the state commissioner of lands, and the city eventually became the owner due to delinquent taxes. Initial EPA funding of $100,000 allowed the city to manage the cleanup and reuse of the site which now houses a steel fabrication facility.

This was the only site in the city available for industrial development. WCAPDD has received two economic development grants, totaling over $1.2 million: $763,000 from EDA and about $500,000 from the Arkansas Department of Economic Development. The funds were used to develop the industrial building and the infrastructure needed prior to construction of the plant.

The project created 25 new jobs. The new industrial park generates tax revenues and the city earns rental income from the building. The income is used for further economic development activities.

WCAPDD assisted the city in the economic development process and was a liaison between the city and funding agencies throughout the redevelopment phase. This success has encouraged WCAPDD to consider other sites for redevelopment.