Whose Levees? the Lists [P13-15] Historic Flooding Forces Re-Evaluation of Long-Neglected System

THE STATE’S BUSINESS NEWS AUTHORITY. Light It Up Arkansas cities, counties and Arkansas school districts are taking advantage of new financing to save money by going solar . [P10] Business [PHOTO PROVIDED] UPDATED DAILY: ArkansasBusiness.com VOL. 36, NO. 29 JULY 22-28, 2019 $1.50

SPOTLIGHT: Infrastructure

Water rushes through the levee along the Arkansas River in Dardanelle on May 31. [YELL COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT VIA AP]

Executive Q&A With A.J. Gary Th e director of emergency management says businesses need to have plans and to make sure employees know them. [P22] Whose Levees? The Lists [P13-15] Historic flooding forces re-evaluation of long-neglected system

Subcontractors, By Jan Cottingham | [email protected] Highway Projects Whispers [P3] n the end, what was most The flooding caused more farmland inundated, sections should be responsible for the Gross-ery case surprising was that the than $100 million in dam- of roads and highways washed levees? Who should pay for their settled in Alma levees held up as well as age in Arkansas and another away. And damage estimates maintenance? they did. $450 million in damage to the are still being compiled. Examining the state’s levees IThe historic spring flood- McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Now comes the re-evaluation will be the job of the 25-mem- ing along the Arkansas River Navigation System alone, Gov. of Arkansas’ long-neglected ber Arkansas Levee Task ARKANSAS BUSINESS unleashed “an inland tsunami,” Asa Hutchinson told Arkansas levee system, which will surely Force, whose members were PUBLISHING GROUP in state Sen. Jason Rapert’s Business last week. Houses and seek to address at least two big words. businesses were destroyed, public policy questions: Who LEVEES CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 Public-Private Partnerships Making Progress By Mark Friedman Arkansas at Little Rock’s Bowen profits from the project, while [email protected] School of Law. taxpayers, at least in theory, will He said that state agencies save money because the private Arkansas is less than a year that don’t have money to pay company brings experience and away from tapping a rich new they could yield a gusher of proj- for projects could do so under efficiency while covering most source of economic develop- ects, according to legal experts the public-private partner- of the upfront costs. ment, public-private partner- and state development officials. ships program, known as P3s, “If you expand the access to ships that will build and operate Public-private partnerships which allow for a private firm other financing sources, then public assets like college dormi- “will increase development and to finance, design, build and more projects can be execut- tories or parking decks. investment in the state,” said operate a public asset. The state ed,” said Watkins, who also Authorized by a 2017 state Larry Watkins, an adjunct pro- agency will continue to own the law, the partnerships have fessor, who teaches construc- asset. PARTNERSHIP CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 drawn little notice so far, but tion law at the University of The private company gets the

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Grocery Deal property and most of those were used for An Alma wholesaler and discount its wholesale business, said its attorney, grocery store operator reached an agree- J. Dalton Person of the law firm Jones ment last week with the federal gov- Jackson Moll McGinnis & Stocks of Fort A classic View-Master brought faraway places ernment in a case that may turn your Smith. into our homes with hand-held images. stomach. J&L also operated a deep discount If you recall, last November, the U.S. grocery store, but none of the FDA’s alle- Food & Drug Administration seized more gations involved that operation, J&L’s Lunar Reﬂ ection than $400,000 worth of FDA-regulated court filings said. The 50th anniversary of landing by the oscillating drone of cicadas products from J&L Grocery LLC because Person said J&L, which is owned by a man on the moon turned our while contemplating the Space Race. they were being stored in insanitary con- James T. White and managed by Lori A. thoughts back to the 1960s. It was a Pointing to the heavens and the ditions, according to a news release for Layne, decided to close the store at the simpler time when mutually assured earth’s nightlight, the child asks: “Is the FDA. end of June. destruction provided comfort during that where they are shooting rockets?” An FDA inspection last year at the J&L agreed to destroy the items seized the Cold War. “Yes,” his mother confirmed. 5.2-acre property found “multiple live about nine months ago. The consent Clicking through early childhood After pondering the consequenc- and dead rodents, rodent nesting, live decree ends a forfeiture complaint filed memories, the decade was a mixture es of firing missiles at the moon, he racoons, live cats, a dead possum, ani- by federal prosecutors in U.S. District of bottle rockets, Saturn rockets and blurts out a disturbing observation: mal feces, and urine-stained products in Court in Fort Smith. intercontinental ballistic missiles. “Don’t they know they’ll blow it up?” and around the company’s seven ware- “Once they destroy all the goods, … A particular image on our View- He was relieved to learn that the houses and sheds used to store food, they’re going to move forward and do Master reel of time drew a lingering lunar missiles would be carrying a medical products and cosmetics,” the something that does not involve FDA- gaze. A very young boy is sitting on different payload than their nuclear- release said. regulated goods,” Person said. the front steps of his small-town, warhead-toting brethren. We’re going to spare you the photo He said they might open another liq- Arkansas home with his mom one The moon would be spared from exhibits. You’re welcome. summer evening. They are serenaded target practice. ■ J&L had several buildings on the WHISPERS CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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WHISPERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 ◗ Glen Una Holdings Little Rock LLC of Seller? Exit 114 Properties LLC, led by Los Gatos, California, bought the 104 Kenneth Martin. Where the Yellow Went uidation facility and probably call it J&L Champs Blvd. project in Maumelle for ◗ The Cynthia Ann Hubach Trust sold a You may have read in Whispers last Liquidators. $20.7 million. home in Little Rock’s Edgehill neighbor- week that the state’s new medical mar- “But I don’t think that name is certain Seller: RCS-Little Rock LLC, an affiliate hood for $1.5 million to Dora Flesher. ijuana market has mango and lemon yet,” Person said. of Real Capital Solutions of Louisville, ◗ Los Gallos Taqueria Inc., led by flavored gummies, but to the eye they Colorado. Sergio and Javier Atilano, acquired the might as well be blueberry. ◗ D&D In North Little Rock Inc., led by former Hardee’s at 8703 Geyer Springs “ABC said no to the mango and lemon Big Deals Umesh Patel, sold the Super 8 Motel at Road in southwest Little Rock for $1.2 colors,” said Robert Lercher of Bold Team A 484,932-SF distribution facility in 3925 McCain Park Drive for $2.3 mil- million. LLC in Cotton Plant, which is making Maumelle, a 54-room motel in North lion. Seller: CJK Apartments LLC, led by about 5,400 gummies a day with a retail Little Rock, 80 acres in Benton, a 3,889- Buyer? Balaji Hotels LLC, led by Chris Kelleher. price of about $5 apiece. SF home in Little Rock, a 2,952-SF eatery Anilaben Patel. ◗ Tyler Garden Apartments LLC, led by The lemon and mango gummies, like in southwest Little Rock and a 19-unit ◗ The Benton School District pur- Melissa Longing, sold its namesake proj- their original grape siblings, will remain apartment complex in Conway combine chased undeveloped land for a future ect at 1839 Tyler St. in Conway for $1 a deep blue. for this week’s six-pack of million-dol- campus at the southeast corner of million. Buyer? JTM Properties LLC, led The company’s ediBold gummies lar real estate transactions in central Mountain View Road and Davis Street by Jason Jones, Trent Furr and Mary Lou have been a hot seller at the state’s few Arkansas. for $1.5 million. Furr. open dispensaries, but the state wor- Arkansas Business ISSN: 1053-6582. USPS Number 730-650 Vol. 36 Number 29, July 22 - July 28, 2019. Arkansas Business is published weekly for $64.95 per year, $94.95 per year out of state, 6 months in state for $39.95, 6 months out of state for $69.95 and $194.95 foreign per year (including Canada) by Arkansas Business Publishing Group, 114 Scott St., Little Rock, AR 72201, P.O. Box 3686, Little Rock, AR 72203, (501) Business 372-1443, facsimile (501) 375-7933; Periodical postage paid at Little Rock, AR. Postmaster, send address change to news you Arkansas Business, P.O. Box 3686, Little Rock, AR 72203. can’t wait Copyright 2019 Five Legged Stool LLC. to read. Subscribe Today: 501-455-9333 888-322-6397 ArkansasBusiness.com/DailyReport arkansasbusiness.com/store

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Arkansas State Highway Commission Details of Drop Inlet (Type MO) Standard Drawing FPC-9M WHISPERS Arkansas Business July 22, 2019 5 ried that yellow and orange colors might 2018 sale of The Chancellor Hotel in lion — what they consider their share ject of litigation we commenced in Ken- tempt children. Under the law, all mari- Fayetteville. of the profit from the flip. The Thrashes tucky. We will work with legal counsel to juana products must be sold in child- The short version is that Ike Thrash also accused Schulte, whose company vigorously defend against the Arkansas resistant containers. and his sons of The Thrash Group in manages 150-plus hotels in 23 states, of lawsuit in every respect.” The Medical Marijuana Commission’s Hattiesburg, Mississippi, sold their 60% mismanaging the Thrashes’ other ho- Schulte, it turns out, had already sued rules “prohibit edibles in the form of a ownership share of the hotel in January tels, including one in Fort Smith. The Thrash Group in Louisville in mid- brownie, candy or cookie, but dispensa- 2018 to Darryl Schulte of Louisville after A spokesman for Schulte Hospitality May for firing his management company ries may offer products that do not fall negotiating with AJ Capital Partners of Group sent Whispers this statement: without the proper 60-day notice. within these categories as long as they do Chicago. Part of the agreement to sell to “We are aware of the retaliatory Schulte’s management company not in any way appeal to children,” said Schulte, the lawsuit claimed, was that lawsuit filed against us and the other had agreements with at least six of Scott Hardin of the Arkansas Department Schulte wouldn’t sell to AJ Capital in “the defendants in Arkansas concerning The Thrash’s hotels across the country, in- of Finance & Administration, which over- immediate future.” Chancellor Hotel. Simply stated, the alle- cluding the DoubleTree by Hilton in Fort sees enforcement through its Alcoholic Schulte then sold the hotel to AJ gations in the complaint are unfounded Smith. ■ Beverage Control division. Capital less than one year later. AJ Capital and untrue. “Regarding gummies, we’ve encour- paid $31 million for the hotel and plans “The complaint is filled with inac- aged the use of muted colors to ensure to convert it to a Graduate Hotel this fall. curacies and mis-statements, including it does not resemble any commercially The Thrashes claim Schulte violated the failure to mention that this is part of available children’s product.” their agreement and owes them $1.5 mil- a larger dispute that is already the sub- Bold Team’s marijuana vape pens hit the market last week. “We are sold out… just like the gummies when they first hit the market,” Lercher reported Thursday, adding that production of the vape line will also increase soon. “Currently we’re waiting for distillate being tested at Steep Hill to fill more pens.” Steep Hill Arkansas is a potency and purity testing company in west Little Rock. The state’s other operating cannabis cultivators — Osage Creek Cultivation in Berryville and Natural State Medicinals in White Hall — are working to produce gummies, but none have hit the market yet. The state’s operating dispensaries are Doctor’s Orders and Green Springs Medical in Hot Springs, Arkansas Natural Products in Clinton, Greenlight Dispensary in Helena, Native Green Wellness in Hensley and Fiddler’s Green in Mountain View.

Chancellor Hotel, Take 2 Two previous owners of The Chancellor Hotel in Fayetteville are fighting on two fronts. Earlier this month, Whispers reported on a lawsuit filed in Washington County Circuit Court related to the December

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Infrastructure Spending Public Outlays Decline ArkansasWeekly Total public spending on infrastructure in $440.5 billion in 2017.” the United States fell by $9.9 billion from The report noted that real spending in 2009 Business 2007 to 2017, according to a May report by and 2010 surged after the one-time stimulus the Brookings Institution. of the American Recovery & Reinvestment “While federal, state, and local governments Act, passed as a response to the Great Report have spent nominally more on infrastructure Recession. For daily news, register at ArkansasBusiness.com/Enews in recent years, the rising cost of materials However, “this bump was short lived, and has reduced their real spending power,” the spending levels have increased only margin- report said. “As a result, real infrastructure ally over the last ﬁ ve years — even as many Defense spending nationally has fallen over the states and localities have improved their past decade, from $450.4 billion in 2007 to ﬁ scal health since the Great Recession.” ■

United States Public Infrastructure Spending (in billions of 2017 dollars) 2007 to 2017

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High Mobility Artillery 420 Rocket System. [WWW. LOCKHEEDMARTIN.COM] 410

(billions) Spending Infrastructure Real 400 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Lockheed in Camden Gets Source: Brookings Institution $492M Launcher Contract Education Lockheed Martin, a mainstay of South Martin vice president, said in a state- Arkansas’ defense industry, will be ment. She said the new launchers “pro- building missile launchers and hardware vide unparalleled mobile firepower to UA Researchers Are Awarded in East Camden under a half-billion con- light and early entry forces, and our tract to supply the U.S. Army and Marines, allies can count on Lockheed Martin’s as well as the militaries of Poland and ongoing support in maintaining these $4.6M Grant for Cybersecurity Romania. combat-proven capabilities.” A multidisciplinary team of research- The components are for HIMARS, the HIMARS launchers are lightweight ers at the University of Arkansas has High Mobility Artillery Rocket System. and can be transported by a C-130 and been awarded a five-year $4.63 million Lockheed Martin’s sprawling Camden larger aircraft for rapid deployment, the National Science Foundation grant to operation, the Precision Fires Center of company said. The system consists of recruit, educate and train cybersecurity Excellence, will produce the HIMARS a launcher loader module and fire con- professionals. vehicles from the ground up, according trol systems mounted on a five-ton truck There is a national shortage of skilled to a company news release. The contract, chassis. Three crew members operate it cybersecurity professionals. worth $492,108,514, calls for the launch- from a specialized armored cab. According to a news release, the Dr. Jia Di ers to be completed by 2022. Lockheed Martin, based in Bethesda, Cyber-Centric Multidisciplinary Security “Lockheed Martin is very pleased that Maryland, employs about 700 workers in Workforce Development program will fessionals who can address these chal- Poland has procured its first HIMARS the Camden area. provide the knowledge and tools neces- lenges.” launchers,” Gaylia Campbell, a Lockheed — Kyle Massey sary to protect network and computer The program will feature faculty systems in three industries: cybersecu- research expertise in computer science rity, transportation security and criti- and computer engineering, electrical Nonproﬁ ts cal infrastructure security, including the engineering and industrial engineering. electrical power grid. It will provide job training and Sklar Will Retire executive director since 1992. The group “The federal agencies that support research opportunities for graduate and said Holly Dickson, its legal director, will these industries — all critical to our undergraduate students, and all students After 27 Years serve as interim director, and a national nation’s security and economic health will be offered internships at govern- search will be announced soon. — understand that new cybersecurity ment agencies, where additional training At Arkansas ACLU Sklar has headed the group while it challenges are met with an increasingly could lead to job placement. took on several high-profile legal fights, insufficient security workforce,” said Jia The program will also focus on The executive director of the American including contesting abortion restric- Di, professor of computer science and attracting students from underrepre- Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas is retir- tions that were blocked by a federal judge computer engineering and principal sented populations and will partner with ing after nearly three decades heading in 2017. The group also successfully sued investigator for the program. “But people Northwest Arkansas Community College the group. to overturn a law voters approved in 2008 at these agencies also understand that to open paths for its students to pursue The ACLU of Arkansas last week aimed at banning gay couples from fos- our university, with its specific research bachelor and advanced degrees at the announced the retirement of Rita Sklar, tering or adopting children. strengths, is uniquely positioned to university. who has served as the organization’s — The Associated Press expand the pool of highly skilled pro- — Arkansas Business Staff WEEKLY REPORT Arkansas Business July 22, 2019 7

Billboard His first job was with Turner Outdoor, Technology & Telecom which was on Ashby Street in Atlanta. After starting Ashby Street Outdoor, Outdoor Ad Giant Lamar Matalone’s first acquisition was about Rural Arkansas 400 billboards from Fowler Media. “From there we expanded over the Gets Extra $7M Buys NWA’s Ashby Street years, and in 2016 we acquired Clear Put it on a billboard: Jim Matalone play,” Matalone said. Channel’s assets [1,326 billboards includ- is ready for his shot with the Atlanta His real plans are to travel with his ed] in the Fort Smith area and Wichita, For Web Access Braves. wife and enjoy empty-nesting; a daughter Kansas.” Until this week, Matalone was CEO is enrolled at the University of Arkansas. The company, which prides itself on The federal government says it will of Ashby Street Outdoor Holdings LLC in Tinicum Capital Partners II LP of New digital innovation, operates 91 LED dis- allocate an additional $7 million in fund- Fayetteville, owner of nearly 2,000 out- York and affiliated investors were major- plays with fully automated content man- ing over the next 10 years to expand door advertising displays in Arkansas, ity owners of Ashby Street before the agement. internet access in rural Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. Now acquisition, Matalone said. Ashby Street’s 38-employee team, areas of Arkansas. he’s a free agent: Lamar Advertising Co., “We went through a process of poten- including 26 in Arkansas, will stay put, The Federal Com- the publicly traded billboard giant based tial bids, but the one by Lamar was most and clients will see little or no change, munications Commis- in Baton Rouge, has acquired privately attractive, and they were the most likely Matalone said. “We were absolutely sion announced last held Ashby Street in a deal of undisclosed suitor.” Matalone said he started his out- pleased with the terms; it was a good week that the funds terms. So what’s next for Matalone? “I door advertising career straight out of transaction for both sides,” he said. will provide broad- kiddingly told somebody that I started in college, and had been in the business a Ashby Street’s financial adviser in the band access to nearly Atlanta, and I’m going to see if the Braves quarter-century when he formed Ashby transaction was Moelis & Co. of New York. 4,000 more rural Arkansas homes and need a 58-year-old prospect who can’t Street in 2011. — Kyle Massey businesses. In May and June, the FCC authorized a total of $40.8 million in funding. About Retail 15,000 more rural Arkansas homes and businesses will be connected to the Conﬁ rmation, Finally, of Trader Joe’s in Little Rock internet when the project is complete. The FCC says it will authorize more A building permit issued last week by The permit, which anticipates build- the following statement: funding in the coming months. Providers the city of Little Rock is the long-awaited out work valued at just over $1 million, “A grocer as wildly popular as Trader will begin receiving money from the FCC confirmation that specialty supermarket was pulled by Dago Barajas of Arcadia, Joe’s deciding to locate in our city would this month. Trader Joe’s will be coming to the for- California, and comments by the city be great news all around. In May, Gov. Asa Hutchinson released mer Toys ‘R Us space at 11500 Financial plans examiner, Curtis Richey, specify “If and when it happens, Mayor Scott a plan to expand access to high-speed Center Parkway. that the new tenant will be “Trader Joe.” will be happy to welcome them to Little broadband communities with more than The news was first reported in May by Stephanie Jackson, a spokeswoman Rock.” 500 residents by 2020. the local food blog Rock City Eats. for Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, issued — Gwen Moritz — The Associated Press 8 July 22, 2019 Arkansas Business SPOTLIGHT: Infrastructure Levees: Flooding forces a new look at old structures in Arkansas

Continued From Page One announced by the governor earlier this month. In addition, Hutchinson will ask the Legislature to appropriate $10 million from a reserve fund to pay for repairs to levees damaged by the flooding. Scientists say that a warming world means ever-heavier rainfall events and, in turn, increasing flooding, an example of which was on display just last week, when remnants of a tropical storm system drenched south Arkansas. Dierks (Howard County) received 16.17 inches of rain in 24 hours. If Arkansas’ future includes more rain and more flooding, then ensuring that the state’s flood-control infrastructure can protect its citizens and their property becomes even more important. Asked whether the Levee Task Force would take into consideration scientif- ic consensus on the changing climate, Hutchinson, speaking in an interview in his office, said: “I certainly want the Task Force to follow science.” He added: “If scientists say that we’re going to have increased flooding in the future or increased levels of rain that we haven’t had before, then we need to take only full failure of a levee, “the Corps topped by the Arkansas River is in Perry that even determining the number of that into account in our future planning.” kept raising our elevation expectations,” County, where in late May Rapert shot levees in Arkansas is difficult. Yell County Judge Mark Thone said. “It dramatic video, posted on Facebook, as A 2009 legislative audit report noted seemed like every day it was raised anoth- the waters inched higher and higher. that the state’s levee system arose in the ‘It Just Kept Raining’ er 6 inches or a foot, and we realized then Rapert, R-Conway, has had some hard aftermath of the catastrophic Mississippi The National Weather Service warned that we were in a serious situation.” experience with that levee, part of the Valley Flood of 1927, which killed an on May 22 that the floods were com- On May 22, Thone had declared the Perry County Levee District No. 1 sys- estimated 1,000 people, left thousands ing. Heavy rains had filled rivers, flood situation an impending disaster, which tem, which was overtopped by floodwa- homeless and inundated more than 2 risk-reduction reservoirs and lakes enabled the county and the city of ters in 2015 and 2016 as well, flooding his million acres of Arkansas farmland. throughout the central portion of the Dardanelle to tap into the resources of property along with that of others near But the levee districts that formed were United States, essentially the Arkansas the Arkansas Department of Emergency Bigelow. That experience has made him created by “various acts of the General River drainage basin. “It just kept rain- Management and the National Guard. something of a legislative expert on the Assembly, county ordinances, and circuit ing,” said Jay Townsend, a spokesman for They obtained a sandbag machine, and myriad problems facing the levee system court orders,” the report said, and the the Little Rock District of the U.S. Army members of the community began filling in Arkansas, and he was named to the passage of time has created “uncertainty Corps of Engineers. and deploying sandbags. Levee Task Force. as to which laws govern which levee dis- To ease pressure on the lakes’ dams, But the water kept coming. About The Perry County levee also was tricts. As a result, Arkansas is served the Corps began releasing water, which 12:30 a.m. Friday, May 31, Thone said, the breached in 1990, Rapert noted, and by a patchwork of district and privately flowed into the Arkansas River. water “started eating out a groove” in the wasn’t fully repaired, leading to its owned levees with no central oversight of In Fort Smith, which saw some of the Dardanelle Levee, and he knew the levee overtopping in 2015 and 2016. “It had the flood control structures.” worst damage, the Arkansas River crest- couldn’t survive. The area had already never had the proper repair and main- Rapert’s legislation in 2016 sought to ed at 40.79 feet on June 1, a record and been evacuated but Thone told his road tenance, and that was what was causing address some of these issues. He shep- more than 2 feet over its previous record crew checking on the levee to get out. some of the problems that the com- herded through a bill that gave county of 38.10 feet, set in 1945. Thousands of acres, mainly farmland, munity has experienced over the last judges the power to appoint members The water wasn’t just high; it was and about 10 homes were flooded. several years,” he said. to inactive levee boards and required powerful. The normal rate of flow for Now, in mid-July, the Arkansas River “It was only after the ’16 flood, and county clerks to send annual levee dis- the Arkansas River is 40,000 to 50,000 remains high, but “things are kind of the legislation that we passed — which trict reports to the Arkansas Natural cubic feet per second. The Corps issues back to normal except the levee is not allowed for those boards to be reconsti- Resources Commission. a small-craft advisory when flows reach there now,” Thone said. “Of course, the tuted and have those new members be However, despite the requirement, of 70,000 cubic feet per second. At their peak highway’s gone too,” he said, referring to appointed — did they have the ability to about 90 known levees that should have during the flood, Arkansas River flows a portion of state Highway 155. get back together to even fix the levee.” active boards, only about 20 have sub- reached 600,000 cubic feet per second. And this is the heart of the problem mitted reports. “It surpasses all Arkansas River flood- with the levee system in Arkansas: The A $489,250 grant from the Natural ing in our recorded history,” Hutchinson Legislation Seeks to Help levees are old — the average age is 67 Resources Commission went to repair said May 29 at a press conference. “That The river threatened and overtopped — and neglected, and in many cases, if the Perry County levee, but this year’s should be enough to get everybody’s other levees; however, with the excep- not most, the boards that once oversaw floodwaters were too much for it. It was attention.” tion of the Dardanelle Levee, they didn’t them are defunct. In addition, a system overtopped, again flooding property and In Yell County, which experienced the completely fail. One of those levees over- patched together over decades means leading to the 12-day closure of a por- Arkansas Business July 22, 2019 9

they say.” He thinks levee maintenance will Phone 479.751.4330 Arkansas Land require both federal and state funding. Toll-free 800.793.6224 Commissioner Thone is hopeful that the Task Force www.multi-craft.net Tommy Land, in can create a uniform set of standards [email protected] sunglasses, and Yell that levee districts will be required to County Judge Mark meet. Like Rapert, Thone is a member of Thone, in blue shirt, the Levee Task Force. assess the damage In Arkansas, there are three kinds of along the Arkansas levees: those in a federal levee program, River near Dardanelle overseen by the Corps of Engineers; those Right People after the levee failed in a local district but not part of the fed- in the early morning eral levee program (like the Dardanelle of May 31, flooding Levee); and private levees, neither in a thousands of acres of federal program nor a local levee district. Right Equipment farmland. Dr. Robert The 2009 legislative audit report Graybill’s farm focused on the latter two kinds of levees. shop, middle photo The boards of local levee districts com- Right Experience below, was just a few prise “property holders within the pro- hundred feet from tected area of the structure. The dis- where the levee was tricts’ sole responsibility is to the prop- breached. erty owners within their district. State [PHOTOS BY KAREN E. and local government officials have no SEGRAVE] oversight or control over the maintenance and operating status of the districts’ flood control structures.” And when local district levees or private levees that are not meeting Corps of Engineers standards are damaged, Our they’re not eligible for federal funding for repairs. That leaves local communities Services Include and the state on the hook. Crane/Rigging HVAC Townsend, of the Corps of Engineers, Ductwork Mechanical said there are 15 inactive levee boards Electrical Millwright along the Arkansas River alone. No Fabrication Plumbing and Process Piping maintenance is being done on those High Voltage Welding levees and they’re not being held to a Call Us Today! “minimally acceptable standard by the Army Corps of Engineers, and they’re not in a federal program where we can assist tion of state Highway 60, “which was an them if there was some sort of failure extreme disruption for the community after a flood,” he said. and also a safety hazard,” Rapert said. Rapert said that looking at the situation “from a 50,000-foot level, what happens in a crisis event — ultimately, no Who Pays? matter what level of protection has been Inseparable from the issue of who’s done locally — they turn to the state and responsible for the state’s levees is the the federal government for help. That has question of who should pay to maintain always happened.” them or repair them when they’re dam- That means, he said, that the Levee aged. Task Force needs to examine whether “That’s something we’re hoping can the state has “a vested interest in making be addressed with the new Levee Task sure that those levees that are protect- Force,” said Thone, the Yell County judge. ing critical infrastructure are absolutely The Dardanelle Levee was built in the maintained and doing their job. Because late 1940s, Thone said, and the board it ends up costing the state and all tax- occasionally had meetings, “but they payers more to handle a crisis situation, didn’t have any money, so I guess you where there’s tremendous loss of prop- could say they were inactive.” erty and maybe even life, than there is to Asked whether the board had ever actually make sure that there’s funding assessed levee fees on area landowners, to help maintain some of those areas.” LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE! Thone thinks that “maybe generations Rapert said, “We’ve lived for decades ago there were — I’m not sure — but they with this patchwork levee system, and LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP AT OBU.EDU/FORE never collected them or quit collecting then we periodically have a real crisis them or something. You know, all those — and in this case, a flood unlike what people are dead and gone.” we’ve seen probably since 1927. That BENEFITING SCHOLARSHIPS But asked who should pay for levee means that everyone in positions of FOR OUACHITA STUDENTS upkeep, Thone is clear: “There’s no way authority at the state and local levels now the locals can. There’s not enough people need to work together to ensure that we and not enough money. There’s going are much better prepared in the future. Registration & lunch at 11 a.m. to have to be some federal assistance. “Because it will happen again. It’s not Shotgun start at 1 p.m. There’s going to have to be. You’re talk- a matter of if; it’s a matter of when.” ■ ing hundreds of thousands of dollars and there’s no way eight or 10 guys — mon- Presented by: etarily, this can’t be done. “But, you know, everybody’s going to have to have some skin in the game, as 10 July 22, 2019 Arkansas Business SPOTLIGHT: Infrastructure Counties and Cities Get Their Day in the Sun Solar power savings Today’s Power will break ground on a solar plant for the fund infrastructure, city of Paris (Logan County) this deferred maintenance summer, the company revealed exclusively to Arkansas Business By Kyle Massey last week. It is already build- [email protected] ing Fayetteville’s city system, featuring 10 megawatts of “Do you like money?” solar production and up to 24 “Are you interested in saving megawatts of battery storage, a lot of it?” on 87 acres at the town’s two That’s Rick Vance’s simple water treatment plants. Ozarks pitch to towns, counties, agen- Electric Cooperative is another cies and schools freed by a new partner in those arrays. Scenic law to partner with third-party Hill is planning a 6.5-megawatt companies in solar energy proj- plant for Ouachita County and ects. This solar power array by its seat, Camden. Vance is regional director for Scenic Hill Solar powers Katie Niebaum, execu- Entegrity Energy Partners LLC Clarksville Connected tive director of the Arkansas of Little Rock, one of several Utilities, the Johnson Advanced Energy Association, Arkansas solar providers riding County city’s municipal said solar’s cost advantages let the wave as local governments, utility. [PHOTO PRIVIDED] local leaders “free up precious agencies and schools plunge resources, many times for criti- into a new solar mainstream. cal items that have been delayed (See list.) Arkansas Solar Projects for Public Entities due to budget restraints. With utility savings from Moreover, solar projects provide solar arrays and energy perfor- Cities/Counties Capacity Status Contractor/Operators jobs and serve as an economic mance contracting, non-taxed Washington County 2 MW Under construction Seal Solar and LightWave Solar multiplier in the communities entities are “making improve- (via Energy Performance where they are developed.” ments, doing deferred mainte- Contracting with Johnson Controls, nance and even using some for which contracted out the solar work) big capital projects,” Vance said. Phillips County 400kW Under construction Entegrity Pulaski County Seeks Bids “Solar is now the cheapest Jefferson County 176 kW Completed Seal Solar and LightWave Solar Pulaski County Attorney way to buy electricity. “A combi- (via EPC contract with Johnson Adam Fogleman sees vast nation of the new law [Act 464 of Controls) potential in solar coupled with 2019], tax advantages and other City of Helena-West Helena 520 kW Under development Entegrity energy performance contract- factors mean this is the best City of Fayetteville 10 MW solar, Under construction Today’s Power Inc. ing, which optimizes energy time” to act, he said, “with no 12 MW/24 MWh storage savings by refitting buildings upfront capital costs and guar- Clarksville Connected Utilities 6.5 MW Completed in 2018 Scenic Hill Solar with LED lighting and efficient anteed savings. Why would you 2.86 MW expansion Announced in May 2019 HVAC and control systems. not do this?” City of Stuttgart 3.1 MW Announced July 16 Scenic Hill Solar “It isn’t just an environmental Vendors like Scenic Hill Solar City of Paris Breaking ground Today’s Power Inc. approach; it’s also a finance and Seal Solar of North Little summer 2019 approach that gave us a bud- Rock and Today’s Power Inc. of City of Camden/Ouachita County 6.5 MW Pending final approval Scenic Hill Solar get-neutral strategy to address Little Rock are all building mul- Pulaski County Request for proposals 10-plus years of deferred main- tiple government and school City of Russellville Request for proposals tenance for county facilities.” arrays this year. City of Conway Request for proposals The county requested bids “Interest in solar by govern- Central Arkansas Water Request for proposals from solar vendors, hoping to mental and educational enti- City of Walnut Ridge In discussion Entegrity shave $250,000-$325,000 from ties has really escalated,” said its million-dollar annual elec- Michael Henderson, president State Agencies, College and Universities tric bill. Central Arkansas Water of Today’s Power. He said chang- Department of Correction 300kW Completed Entegrity and the cities of Russellville es in law and tax incentives add Arkansas Community Correction 360 kW Completed Entegrity and Conway have also issued up to a good bottom line. Arkansas State University-Newport 740 kW Completed Lightwave Solar (via EPC contract requests for solar proposals. with Johnson Controls) Fogleman is seeking a deal University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 321.1 kW Completed Performance Services to provide 80-100% of the power Attractive Savings Southern Arkansas University Tech 1.4 MW Under construction Today’s Power gobbled by Pulaski County’s “Today, solar is available for 40-odd buildings. A committee almost anyone for under 6 cents Public School Districts to weigh proposals will begin per kilowatt-hour, and for larg- Batesville 750 kW Completed Entegrity forming within weeks. er systems well under 5 cents. Buffalo Island 766 kW Under development Stone Creek Solar “With the incentives avail- These savings are very attrac- Guy-Perkins 585 kW Design stage Scenic Hill Solar able to the private developer, the tive for budget-strained govern- price I’d anticipate would save mental entities.” Other: the county between 25% and The average Arkansas retail Arkansas National Guard, Camp Robinson 360 kW Completed Entegrity 35%,” he said. The savings would electricity price is 10 cents per be a general revenue windfall, kilowatt-hour, according to Source: Arkansas Advanced Energy Association allowing the Quorum Court to June data from the U.S. Energy decide how to redirect the cash. Information Administration. Jefferson counties; cities joining a collaboration with Scenic Hill also working with Searcy Water “That could mean expanding County solar projects are the parade include Fayetteville, just last week. The Walnut Ridge Utilities on a solar panel system services, or addressing deferred either built or underway in Clarksville, Helena-West Helena City Council is considering a approved Tuesday by the util- maintenance needs, or helping Washington, Phillips and and Stuttgart, which announced project with Entegrity, which is ity’s board. with all the services the county Arkansas Business July 22, 2019 11 provides. Savings derived from formance-based contracting and counties in 2015, according a solar service agreement would let us do that. All the savings to the Arkansas Department of give the county much-needed in our project have to be guar- Environmental Quality. flexibility without causing the anteed.” Heather Nelson, president budget to go up.” The energy performance and co-founder of Seal Solar, A 30% federal solar invest- contractor is Johnson Controls, which rebranded itself from Seal ment tax credit is also fueling an Irish multinational with Energy Solutions this year to sun fever, but it will start to fall headquarters on Colonel Glenn emphasize its tightened focus, after this year, to 26% for 2020, Road in Little Rock, and it noted that before starting the 22% in 2021, and so on, said Entegrity of selected Seal and LightWave as Washington County project, her Vance of Entegrity. “At 26% next Little Rock han- solar installation contractors. company completed the current year, it will still be a bargain, but dled a county- “If we are guaranteed, say, largest county-owned solar sys- not quite as good a deal.” wide energy $500,000 in savings and that tem in Jefferson County. performance falls $50,000 short, the county “Savings from solar directly contract with will get a $50,000 check to cover impact every taxpayer in those ‘Forward-Leaning’ Pulaski County, the difference,” Gonzalez said. areas,” she said. “Jefferson was Scenic Hill CEO and former including put- “We’re going to be the largest the first county in Arkansas to Arkansas Lt. Gov. Bill Halter ting new effi- county-owned solar producer in both install and operate com- agreed. “This is a very good cient HVAC units the state. With that, LED light- mercial-grade solar. There are time to act, because folks who in courthouses ing, water conservation and a lot of ways to fund solar today, can move quickly will achieve like this one in other measures, we’ll be able but for govern- the benefit of a higher tax cred- Little Rock. The to take care of some deferred ment entities it. These are forward-leaning $5.2 million work,” including replacing 88 performance projects for communities and project is sav- HVAC units around the county. contracting is counties. The municipal project ing taxpayers “I don’t have to go to the a great finan- in Stuttgart will provide 100% $445,792 a year, Quorum Court for this money,” cial vehicle, renewable energy for city opera- officials said. Gonzalez said. “We get it by with little to tions, save citizens tax dollars, [PHOTO PROVIDED] spinning back the meter, and no cash out.” lock in lower energy prices for using money that would have Nelson urged 30 years or more, and contribute tracting, previously turned to dor will own and operate the gone to the electric bill. We call businesses to economic development, all Entegrity for a $5 million effi- solar plant, Washington County it capital cost avoidance.” and governments to view energy while improving the environ- ciency project calculated to took a different approach, said The state’s EPC system was spending holistically. “It has ment. It’s a four-part win for save $446,000 a year. Fogleman Dwight Gonzalez, director of initiated by law in 2013, devel- always been an expense line, government and citizens.” called third-party solar the logi- county buildings and grounds. oped by industry leaders and but now it is an opportunity to Pulaski, the first county to cal next step. “We wanted to own the array, financial professionals in 2014 invest in technology that will take advantage of EPC con- While Pulaski County’s ven- to own everything, and per- and expanded to municipalities save money for decades.” ■

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CALL 501-796-2301 OR GO TO WEAVERBAILEY.COM TO LEARN MORE 12 July 22, 2019 Arkansas Business SPOTLIGHT: Infrastructure

He said there’s also a lot the energy savings performance of misconception with P3s, contract statute, Watkins said. including people thinking that (For more information about “If you expand it is “some kind of private take- the energy savings statute, see over of public assets, and it’s just Page 10.) the access to not true.” State Sen. Mathew Pitsch, other financing R-Fort Smith, told Arkansas Business last week that he sources, then Legislation thinks transportation projects Former State Rep. Warwick will be amended to be in the P3 more projects Sabin, D-Little Rock, tried legislation. can be executed. unsuccessfully to pass bills “P3s can be various different allowing state agencies to use things,” he said. “When most There’s no doubt P3s in Arkansas in 2013 and people think of P3s, they’re 2015. His legislation passed thinking of toll roads, but it can that we need in 2017, but applies only to do a private-public partnership more projects.” state agency procurements with building a port, building and exempts the Arkansas an airport, building railroad [LARRY WATKINS, Department of Transportation. interchanges.” ATTORNEY, MITCHELL The bill left out of P3s for county The P3 statute is “very broad WILLIAMS LAW FIRM] and city projects. in what it allows,” said Will “The reason I brought the Gruber, vice president of gov- bill up in the first place, back ernment relations & strategic [PHOTO BY KAREN E. SEGRAVE] in 2013, was that obviously we partnerships at the global pub- have more infrastructure needs lic affairs firm inVeritas of Little in Arkansas than the public Rock. Public-Private: Development path opens up sector can afford,” Sabin told “There have been a lot of Arkansas Business in 2017. road projects around the coun- Continued From Page One “It’s not just highways. It’s all try and around the world,” said kinds of infrastructure at the Gruber, who has followed the P3 is an attorney at the Mitchell stand why it’s taken some time hasn’t done anything to address municipal and the state level, legislation in Arkansas. Williams law firm in Little Rock for [Arkansas] to get started that challenge,” she said. “Our whether you’re talking about He said in Maryland, a coun- and a board member of the with one.” aging infrastructure needs to be water systems and sewer sys- ty courthouse construction Associated General Contractors Arkansas’ P3 legislation, corrected.” tems or college campus and project was done using a P3. of Arkansas. which is more than 20 pages, But Watkins said P3s aren’t school buildings,” Sabin added. “There’s no doubt that we includes numerous checks and a “silver bullet for solving our “We have a lot of needs, and we need more projects.” balances that require reviews infrastructure problems, but it’s would never be able to afford to Not for All Projects The Arkansas Economic by lawyers and accountants. definitely a source of fixing part cover them all through govern- Not all the projects will work Development Commission Forty states now have legisla- of the problem.” ment funding.” for a P3, however. The public hired the consulting firm KPMG tion allowing some form of P3 In the meantime, Watkins and ARDOT has its own authority asset being built with a P3 has in February to develop rules for authority, Washington said. others will continue to spread to do P3 projects, and munici- to have a revenue stream, said the P3s, said Amy Fecher, sec- “We do have a huge infra- the word about P3s. Watkins has palities could do their own P3s Jerry Holder, director of trans- retary of the state’s Department structure challenge in our spent the last two years educat- under a municipal water stat- portation at Garver of North of Transformation & Shared nation and Washington really ing the public about them. ute and, if structured as a P3, Little Rock, the engineering, Services, which is now over- architectural, planning, and seeing the P3 program. (The environmental services firm. He Transformation & Efficiencies also was a speaker in a Design- Act moved the P3 program Overview of P3 Authorization by State Build Institute of America webi- from ADEC to the Division of (as of October 2016) nar last year called making the Building Authority within the most of P3s in Arkansas. Department of Transformation Holder said if a project WA & Shared Services.) CTVTNHMA ME doesn’t generate a rate of return KPMG is gathering infor- MT ND of more than 10% “then it’s not mation and working on the P3 worth the risk.” OR MN rules, Fecher said in an email ID Holder also said some P3 response to questions from SD WI NY projects have ended in bank- Arkansas Business. WY MI ruptcy. SH 130 Concession Co. Once completed, the rules IA PA NJ built a toll road in Austin, Texas, NE RI then will have to go through a NV OH in the late 2000s. But the number UT IL IN DE 30-day public comment period, MD of cars the company projected followed by a legislative review CO KS WV VA didn’t materialize, resulting in it MO DC process. CA KY filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy “We anticipate being ready NC reorganization in 2016. SH 130 for projects in early to mid-year AZ OK TN Concession listed $1.2 billion in of 2020,” Fecher wrote. NM AR SC assets and $1.6 billion in debts. The delay in creating the AL GA Still, Watkins, the attorney, regulations didn’t surprise MS said in the two years he’s been TX LA Lisa Washington, the execu- talking about P3s, there has tive director of Design-Build FL been a lot of interest from both Institute of America based in AK the state agencies and contrac- Washington. tors, developers and investors in P3s “are pretty complex doing a P3 in Arkansas. P3s are widely authorized arrangements that one just “Once we have this program P3s are authorized in one primary sector can’t jump into without a more up and rolling, … I believe you’ll HI detailed understanding,” she P3s are limited or project speciﬁ c see some P3 projects take off,” P3s are not authorized said. “So I can certainly under- Source: Design-Build Institute of America he said. ■ The List Arkansas Business July 22, 2019 13 LargestLargest Electrical Subcontractors

Ranked by revenue for 2018

Company Address 2018 Electrical Phone, Fax Revenue Electrical Website, Email 2017 Revenue Employees Top Executive(s) Sample Projects Koontz Electric Co. Inc. $48.6 182 Benny M. Koontz Memphis I-40 Bridge lighting, Bull Shoals Dam breaker replacement, Entergy substations, 1223 E. Broadway, Morrilton 72110 $49.8 President Denison (Texas) Power Plant transformers (501) 354-2526, (501) 354-2580 1 www.KoontzElectric.com, [email protected] Multi-Craft Contractors Inc. $43.2 238 Rick Barrows Tyson Foods Inc., Springdale; University of Arkansas, Fayetteville; Kraft Foods, Fort Smith; 2300 N. Lowell Road, Springdale 72764 $48.0 President Northwest Arkansas Community College, Bentonville (479) 751-4330, (479) 751-4399 2 www.Multi-Craft.net, [email protected]

Gigerich Electrical Inc. $17.5 145 Don Gigerich Hot Springs Housing Authority, Hot Springs Junior Academy, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, 4669 Malvern Road, Hot Springs 71901 $16.1 President National Park College Student Center, CHI St. Vincent labor/delivery, Hot Springs; U.S. (501) 262-5550, (501) 262-5551 Scott Brown Marshall Museum, Ft. Smith, Saracen Casino Resort, UAMS South Central Campus, Pine Bluff; 3 www.Gigerich.net, [email protected] VP Islander Resort, Islamorada, FL; Haywood Hotel, El Dorado; Malvern High School

Nabco Mechanical & Electrical Inc. $15.1 97 Chris Brand Southwest Little Rock High School, Sylvan Hills High School, St. Bernards Hospital 1750 Amity Road, Conway 72032 $14.3 President (501) 327-1337, (501) 327-8227 4 www.Nabco.com, [email protected]

Innovative Power Solutions LLC $13.0 90 Joe Rice Eastern New Mexico University, Drew County Hospital remodel, Crossett High School, 4101 Richards Road, North Little Rock 72117 $14.0 President MacArthur Military Museum, FedEx Ground, Bentonville (501) 851-9990, (501) 851-9985 Dean Wallace 5 www.InnPower.com, [email protected] VP of Sales

RGB Mechanical Contractors Inc. $6.0 45 Greg Brasher First National Bank at Hilltop, Arkansas Continued Care Hospital, St. Bernards Emergency 4221 E. Johnson Ave., Jonesboro 72403 $6.0 President Department expansion, St. Bernards HeartCare Center (870) 972-8360, (870) 933-7492 Blake Brasher 6 www.RGBMechanical.com, VP [email protected]

Sources: The companies. Other companies believed to be large enough for the list failed to respond to repeated requests for information. Researched by Roxanne Jones LargestLargest Mechanical Subcontractors

Ranked by revenue for 2018 in millions Company 2018 Address Mechanical Phone, Fax Revenue Mechanical Website, Email 2017 Revenue Employees Top Executive(s) Sample Projects Multi-Craft Contractors Inc. $89.0 311 Rick Barrows Caroll Electric, Berryville; EcoVista, Tontitown; Bentonville 2300 N. Lowell Road, Springdale 72764 $79.0 President High School (479) 751-4330, (479) 751-4399 1 www.Multi-Craft.net, [email protected] Comfort Systems USA (Arkansas) Inc. $56.2 210 Clyde A. Jester Drew Memorial Hospital, Our Pharma, St. Vincent CHI North, 4806 Rixey Road, North Little Rock 72117 $52.5 President Bismarck High School HVAC, Helena High School, Parris Tower (501) 834-3320, (501) 834-5416 plumbing, Arkansas Specialty Orthopedics, Jacksonville High 2 www.ComfortSystemsUSA.com, [email protected] School, Arkansas Arts Academy, Bentonville School, Arkansas Department of Corrections, Dermott and Brickeys Nabco Mechanical & Electrical Inc. $22.7 105 Chris Brand Southwest Little Rock High School, Sylvan Hills High School, 1750 Amity Road, Conway 72032 $16.4 President St. Bernards Hospital (501) 327-1337, (501) 327-8227 3 www.Nabco.com, [email protected] RGB Mechanical Contractors Inc. $20.0 80 Greg Brasher First National Bank at Hilltop, Lawrence County jail, Manila 4221 E. Johnson Ave., Jonesboro 72403 $18.1 President school, Arkansas Continued Care Hospital, Jonesboro CWL (870) 972-8360, (870) 933-7492 Blake Brasher HVAC replacement 4 www.RGBMechanical.com, [email protected] VP Mountain Mechanical Contractors Inc. $16.2 52 Chris Harvey JB Hunt Training & Technology Center, Rogers-Garrett 903 S. School Ave., Fayetteville 72701 $11.7 President Elementary School, Walmart Project Maple-DC, Helen R. (479) 521-4886, (479) 521-9022 Walton Children's Enrichment Center, Gentry Intermediate 5 www.MountainMech.com, [email protected] School, Pinnacle Foods expansion Malone's Mechanical Inc. $14.3 65 Michael Duane Malone Sparks Hospital, University of Arkansas, Fort Smith 2221 Oliver Springs Way, Van Buren 72956 $5.6 President (479) 474-8094, (479) 474-5760 6 www.MalonesMechanical.com, [email protected] Daniell Air & Electric $3.7 30 Herbie Daniell HVAC for commercial and industrial sectors 102B Trooper Drive, Hot Springs 71913 $4.1 President (501) 767-4977, (501) 767-2099 Jason Daniell 7 www.DaniellAir.com, [email protected] VP

Sources: The companies. Other companies believed to be large enough for the list failed to respond to repeated requests for information. Researched by Roxanne Jones 14 July 22, 2019 Arkansas Business LargestLargest Highway Construction Projects

Projects currently under construction ranked by dollar value of contract Award Amount Award Date Project Est. Route, County Completion Contractor Description Highway 70/Sevier Street Widening $187,339,930 Johnson Bros. Corp., A Southland Co. Widen 5.402 miles of I-30 to six lanes, reconstruct three Interstate 30, Saline 12/12/2018 Roanoke, Texas interchanges, and replace five bridge structures 1 Late 2022 New White River Bridge and Approaches $100,559,843 Parsons Corp. Replace the White River Bridge and construct roadway Interstate 40, Prairie 11/4/2016 Pasadena, CA approaches on 1.209 miles of I-40 2 Mid 2020 C.J. Mahan Construction Co. Columbus, OH Interstate 630 Widening $87,384,772 Manhattan Road & Bridge Co. Widen 2.16 miles of I-630 from Baptist Health Medical Center to Interstate 630, Pulaski 4/9/2018 Tulsa University Avenue in Little Rock 3 Early 2020 Highway 65B/Highway 65 $67,232,300 Webber LLC Reconstruct 10.350 miles of I-530 in Pine Bluff Interstate 530, Jefferson 7/28/2017 The Woodlands, Texas 4 Late 2019 Highway 67/Highway 141 Widening $58,516,744 Atlas Asphalt Inc. Widen 14.298 miles of Highway 412 Highway 412, Greene and Lawrence 1/23/2019 Jonesboro 5 Mid 2022 Delta Asphalt of Arkansas Inc. Paragould Oklahoma State Line/East Interstates 40 & 540 $53,245,517 APAC-Central Inc. Mill and inlay the main lanes and perform bridge rehabilitation on Interstates 40 and 540, Crawford and Sebastian 10/29/2018 Fayetteville I-40 and I-540 6 Mid 2020 Louisiana State Line/Highway 82 Widening $44,594,956 Diamond B Construction Co. LLC Widen 9.977 miles of Highway 425 Highway 425, Ashley and Morehouse Parish, LA 9/19/2018 Alexandria, LA 7 Early 2021 Highway 299/Gurdon Rest Area $39,017,513 Redstone Construction Group Inc. Mill and inlay for 19.312 miles on I-30 Interstate 30, Clark, Hempstead and Nevada 9/19/2018 Little Rock 8 Mid 2020 Highway 18 Widening $35,471,090 W.G. Yates & Sons Construction Co. Widen 1.799 miles of Highway 18 East at Manila from two lanes to Highway 18, Mississippi 11/4/2016 Philadelphia, MS five lanes 9 Mid 2020 Highway 110 Widening $33,984,383 Bobby Kennedy Construction Co. Widen Highway 65 Highway 65, Van Buren 1/23/2019 Quitman 10 Mid 2021 New White River Bridge $31,361,490 Tanner Construction Co. Inc. Construct 0.908 mile of Highway 367 roadway and a new White Highway 367, Jackson 10/30/2013 Laurel, MS River Bridge at Newport 11 Late 2020 Bee Branch North $30,870,727 White River Materials Inc. Widen Highway 65 to five lanes Highway 65, Van Buren 11/20/2017 Batesville 12 Late 2019 New Ouachita River Bridge Structures and Approaches $29,442,371 W.G. Yates & Sons Construction Co. Construct a new bridge over the Ouachita River on Highway 167 Highway 167, Calhoun and Union 11/5/2014 Philadelphia, MS 13 Early 2020 Highway 274-North Widening $28,964,147 D&J Construction Co. LLC Widen 7.102 miles of Highway 167 Highway 167, Calhoun 2/26/2018 West Monroe, LA 14 Mid 2020 Highway 71/County Road 34 Additional Lanes $27,505,531 Dave Kolb Grading LLC Construct 8.745 miles of Highway 549 Highway 549, Benton 11/17/2017 St. Charles, MO 15 Late 2020 Highway 71B Interchange Improvements $26,897,563 APAC-Central Inc. Replace the I-49 overpass approaches to a single point urban Interstate 49, Benton 7/30/2018 Fayetteville interchange system at the Highway 71B intersection, install new 16 Mid 2020 signals at the ramps, Moberly Lane, and North 46th Street, and widen Highway 71B from four lanes to six lanes Highway 425-Hamburg Widening $26,704,205 JB James Construction LLC Widen 5.372 miles of Highway 82 Highway 82, Ashley 9/19/2018 Baton Rouge, LA 17 Early 2020 BNSF Railroad Overpass (Jonesboro) $25,182,889 Capital Paving and Construction LLC Provide an overpass of the Highway 18 BNSF Railroad Crossing in Highway 18, Craighead 10/29/2018 Jefferson City, MO Jonesboro 18 Early 2022 County Road 411/Highway 425 $24,690,884 Johnsville Co. LLC Widen 5.33 miles of Highway 82 from two lanes to five lanes Highway 82, Ashley 11/4/2016 Hermitage 19 Early 2020 Maxie Camp Road/Highway 206 Widening $22,942,316 Nabholz Construction Corp. Widen 4.373 miles of Highway 65 Highway 65, Boone 9/6/2017 Conway 20 Early 2020 Bald Knob/Newport $18,692,510 Chester Bross Construction Co. Rehabilitate 27.320 miles on Highway 67 Highway 67, White 12/12/2018 Palmyra, MO 21 Late 2021 Alcoa Road/Highway 183 $17,394,676 Redstone Construction Group Inc. Widen 2.269 miles on Highway 5 Highway 5, Saline 9/19/2018 Little Rock 22 Late 2020 Bangs Slough/Highway 172 $16,969,845 W.G. Yates & Sons Construction Co. Widen 3.911 miles of Highway 167 to four 12-inch lanes with an Highway 167, Calhoun 6/22/2016 Philadelphia, MS 11-inch painted median and 8-inch shoulders 23 Early 2020 Interstate 40 Interchange (Maumelle) $14,578,036 McGeorge Contracting Co. Inc. Construct four interchange ramps and notch and widen Counts Interstate 40, Pulaski 10/29/2018 Sweet Home Massie Road and I-40 interchange in Maumelle 24 Late 2019 Little River Structure and Approaches $13,965,915 Jensen Construction Co. Replace the bridge over Little River and construct roadway Highway 41, Little River and Sevier 3/23/2016 Des Moines approaches on Highway 41 25 Mid 2019 Researched by Marty Cook and Gwen Source: Arkansas Department of Transportation Moritz Arkansas Business July 22, 2019 15

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7 16 July 22, 2019 Arkansas Business Judging a Clean Line Book DAILY ONLINE NEWS By Its Hero and Antagonist ArkansasBusiness.com If you think history is written by the With You On the Go victors, consider the counterintuitive case of Michael Skelly and Clean Line Partners. A new book by Russell Gold, senior energy reporter for The Wall Street Journal, makes Skelly its hero. A cham- pion of wind power, Skelly domi- nates “Superpower: One Man’s Quest to Transform American Energy.” The bid by his Houston-based company to build a huge transmission line for solar and wind power across mid- America is cast as visionary and envi- ronmentally heroic, a $2.5 billion project Outtakes torpedoed by not-in-my-backyard crit- ics, fossil fuel last-standers and politics. Kyle Massey As reviewer Trey Shipp put it, Skelly [email protected] is the “driven entrepreneur with a huge goal: building thousands of miles delegation made a difference. They’re Publisher Editor Online Editor Print/Digital Reporter of transmission lines to carry cheap, made into villains in the book, but actu- renewable energy across several states to ally, for once, they listened to the people, Mitch Bettis Gwen Moritz Lance Turner Sarah Campbell-Miller where it’s needed. … Raising money was not the billionaires, and did their job.” @mitchbettis @gwenmoritz @LT @ArkNewsGirl the easy part. Convincing landowners, The project was scrapped after the state governments and utility commis- TVA rejected buying the wind power, but sions” would be Skelly’s test. that was just the last nail among many Most Read Stories of the Week And ultimately his failure. blows, including the rise of President Here are the most popular online stories for the week ending July 18. The book’s view of American electric Donald Trump. The Obama White House All stories listed below are available for free this week at ArkansasBusiness.com: power since Thomas Edison’s time fas- had promoted renewable energy, but Julie Morton cinated Arkansan , a prime Trump’s team doggedly backs coal and 1. Confirmation, Finally, of Trader Joe’s in Little Rock critic of Clean Line’s Plains & Eastern petroleum, and it came as no shock that Specialty supermarket will be coming to the former Toys ‘R Us space at 11500 Financial Center Parkway. project, which would have cut across the U.S. Department of Energy reversed Oklahoma and Arkansas, carrying west- its support for Clean Line last year. 2. Judge Rules Rivendell Destroyed Evidence in Overdose Case Estate of former patient who died in her former nurse’s apartment won’t have to prove liability. ern wind power to the Tennessee Valley “It wasn’t really about being green,” Authority. Morton said. “It was all about money, and 3. ‘Moneyball For Law Firms’ (Gwen Moritz Editor’s Note) But to her, Skelly’s no hero and Clean Skelly admitted as much to Mr. Gold.” Moritz looks at Malcolm Gladwell’s theory that the timed LSAT penalizes people who think deeply. Line was never a good idea. Gold, who also wrote “The Boom,” an 4. Signature Move Takes Stock Public “I didn’t object to how I was present- invaluable look at the rise of fracking, told CEO Gary Head discusses bank’s momentous launch through its comeback after recession meltdown. ed in the book,” Morton told Arkansas Arkansas Business that “Superpower” has Business. “The opposition was all about done well, but “it’s an odd time to publish the land [and landowners’ right to chal- a book. There’s a lot to be outraged about lenge eminent domain]. But I do have in there, but it is so hard to compete with trouble with the second half, and I’m not other daily outrages that riffle through even sure it should be called nonfiction.” Twitter and our national discourse.” The author fell victim to what Morton He said Clean Line’s final offer to the calls the “Skelly spin,” in which Clean TVA, at $18.50 per megawatt-hour, was Line’s representatives are kind and car- “an unbelievable low price.” The agency ing, eager to help landowners, she said. is now seeking proposals for wind power “They must have been Jekyll and Hyde, at $40 per megawatt-hour. “Why would because they were actually condescend- they be seeking wind right now at $40 5. Dromborg Castle Off Auction Block, Still For Sale ing Ivy Leaguers who thought they were when they rejected it at half that price The 8,825-SF, multistory Fayetteville property is now listed for sale by owner at $4.9 million. the smartest people in the room.” years ago?” Arkansas Business won “best scoop” Gold sees bigger lessons in a warm- at the Alliance of Area Business Journals’ ing world. “We need to figure out how to “We did not receive acceptable pre-auction oﬀ ers, annual awards last month in Atlanta streamline the bureaucracy and build and we had a place where we could cancel going for its report on Clean Line’s demise, infrastructure” to create jobs, combat forward, so that’s what we did.” coverage that Gold said he had followed. climate change and generate lower-cost The Plains & Eastern Line faced early energy. — JOAN JOHNSON, who owns Dromborg Castle with her husband, Bruce. opposition by the Arkansas Public Service Morton, 67, has a different takeaway. Commission and years of withering fire “I told Mr. Gold that this outdated tech- from Arkansans in Congress. All six nology, lines on 20-story-tall steel tow- opposed the project, which a University ers, is no longer viable.” She champions of Arkansas study said would bring $600 the approach of SOO Green Renewable million to Arkansas’ economy. Wary Rail, which plans to ship Midwest wind Appetite for Construction landowners in the transmission line’s energy to Eastern markets via under- Be among the ﬁ rst to see the real deals and big loans of Arkansas path also sued, contesting the project’s ground transmission lines buried along development in our twice-a-week Construction e-newsletter. eminent domain powers. existing railroad tracks. “This would cut Look for it every Tuesday and Thursday, once you subscribe for “So many people in our grassroots out permitting issues and give you just free at ArkansasBusiness.com/ConstructionNews. movement called legislators,” Morton one owner to deal with, and you wouldn’t said. “So many that they asked us to stop be putting huge towers across 8,000 acres calling. That made a difference, and our of our beautiful state.” ■ Arkansas Business July 22, 2019 17 Dry County Brewpubs Now On the Menu Several Arkansas communities appear poised to take advantage of a little-noticed act passed in the most recent 2019 ABC Industry legislative session, Act 681 of 2019, creating a private club permit for microbrew- Restaurants Professional of the Year ery-restaurants in dry counties. The idea had been percolating for a Jan Cottingham while, said state Rep. Spencer Hawks, [email protected] R-Conway, one of the measure’s spon- sors. “The median age in Conway is rels last year, has a goal of producing We’re Here to Meet All of Your somewhere around 30,” Hawks said. 3,000 this year.) “And a lot of folks that I’ve talked to said, Meanwhile, in Fairfield Bay, which Construction-Related Insurance Needs. ‘Why don’t we have microbreweries in resides in both Van Buren and Cleburne Conway?’” counties, Mayor Paul Wellenberger sees Of course, one reason is that Conway a microbrewery-restaurant as having Serving You With Locations In: is in Faulkner County, a “dry” county, “great potential” in his city, a resort com- and alcohol sales there were permitted munity on the north shore of Greers Little Rock, Jonesboro & Rogers only in private clubs — until Act 681. Ferry Lake. The Conway Area Chamber of “We are growing, bursting at the Commerce also was strongly behind the seams with conferences and tourism and idea, Hawks said, working to help get the we just opened up a brand new 63-room bill passed. hotel,” he said, referring to Cobblestone The measure is fairly narrow in scope. Inn & Suites. “Because of the tourists, a The microbrewery-restaurants can’t pro- microbrewery, I think, would be a great duce more than 45,000 barrels of beer fit for Fairfield Bay. It would help us con- bxsi.com per year, they have to be both a micro- tinue on our revitalization of our city.” 1. BXS Insurance is a wholly owned subsidiary of BancorpSouth Bank. 2. Insurance products are • Not a deposit • Not FDIC insured • Not insured by any federal government agency • Not guaranteed by the bank • May go down in value. 3. BXS Insurance is an insurance agent and not an brewery and a restaurant serving com- No potential brewpub has contacted insurance carrier. 4. Always read your policy for coverage terms and conditions. plete meals, they have to meet the state’s the community, but city officials have definition of a private club, they must reached out to the Arkansas Brewers have a seating capacity of at least 50, and Guild, notifying it of Fairfield Bay’s inter- they can’t sell beer for off-premises con- est in being home to a microbrewery- sumption, like growlers. restaurant. “Because they’re a newer model of “We had 30,000 visitors last year, 10 business in Arkansas, I think they were major events, 15,000 attending events overlooked, and I think communities and conferences at our conference cen- like Conway were missing some econom- ter,” the mayor said, referring to the ic development opportunities,” Hawks Fairfield Bay Conference Center. “This said. “And that’s really year we opened up a the reason I wanted to do new hotel. … We have what I did is just to allow great tourism trade. more entrepreneurs and “We have great We are a great location communities to act like for someone to put in the entrepreneurs that tourism trade. a microbrewery. We they are.” We are a great would love to have one. COMING AUGUST 5 And now Rebel We would be very wel- Kettle, which opened in location for coming.” east Little Rock in 2016, someone to put in Fairfield Bay host- is planning to locate a ed three conferenc- PUBLIC COMPANIES brewpub in Conway, said a microbrewery.” es in June. “All three co-owner Jason Polk. of those rebooked,” He was hoping to close [PAUL WELLENBERGER, Wellenberger said. on the building at 1090 MAYOR, FAIRFIELD BAY] “Two of those rebooked Spencer St. in downtown for the next three years. Conway, part of the original Smith Ford We’ve already got 22 conferences booked building, by the end of this month. out in 2021.” Rebel Kettle also will be brewing beer Hawks, the state legislator, said that at the Conway location. “At some point, microbreweries allow “a person, not just we feel like that is going to become our to create that restaurant scene, but to primary brewing location,” Polk said. create a product that could be brought to Rebel Kettle is working with Dan a greater market. You talk about Fairfield Fowler of Cromwell Architects Engineers Bay or Conway, what it’s like to have a on the design for the 5,000-SF property. community create something and then Polk said it will have an outdoor space be able to find it on a shelf somewhere in and will have some “commonalities” another part of Arkansas or even another For advertising information, contact Bonnie Jacoby with Rebel Kettle in Little Rock, like a part of the country — I look forward to at (501) 455-9308 or [email protected] similar menu, but will have its own vibe. having at some point a ‘Toadsuck Brew’ (As an aside, Polk said that Rebel or a ‘Pickles Gap Brew,’ just because it’s Kettle, which produced about 1,000 bar- Conway.” ■ 18 July 22, 2019 Arkansas Business

Futuristic Arkansas Flagging Thinking Business Disrespect believe in the economic boycott as EDITORIAL a perfectly legitimate, free-market Views Itool for encouraging different corpo- lot of depressing stuff is hap- rate behavior. It sometimes even works, pening in our world and in our Arkansas Business’ Opinion Page although there seem to be a lot more Acountry, in our companies and calls for boycotts than subsequent vic- even in our families. It’s overwhelming ment. It seems safe to say that there are tory celebrations. and exhausting because things that are segments of the investing industry that A few weeks back, Sen. Ted Cruz, Editor’s Note going wrong suck up the time and energy profit from frequent injections of data R-Texas, reacted to a business decision that we would all prefer to spend on posi- and would not want to give that up, even by Nike by announcing that he was Gwen Moritz tive, hopeful, forward-looking projects. if most companies and the economy giving up his lifelong patronage of the [email protected] That’s why last week’s roundtable dis- in general would be healthier if long- sportswear company. The hashtag #boy- cussion hosted by the U.S. Securities & term planning and goals were rewarded cottnike trended on Twitter for a few rated with flag motifs when they were Exchange Commission was so encour- like short-term earnings gimmicks and days. Most astonishing to me, Arizona small, but their involvement in the Boy aging. The topic of discussion was the stock-buybacks. (As we’ve often noted, Gov. Doug Ducey ordered his state’s eco- Scouts exposed me to the U.S. Flag Code impact of “short-termism” on capital every regulation is a business opportu- nomic development agency to withdraw and made me much more sensitive to markets and whether the SEC, a regula- nity for someone.) financial incentives that had been offered proper flag protocol. For instance, the tor of publicly traded companies, should Short-termism is not, of course, pecu- as an inducement for Nike to locate a code says, “The flag should never be change its reporting requirements in liar to publicly traded companies. The $185 million plant in a Phoenix suburb. used as wearing apparel, bedding, or response. Streamed live on the internet, picture on the front page of this issue The plant was expected to employ 505 drapery,” and “No part of the flag should it was a cordial, collegial, data-driven shows the dramatic result of neglected people and pay average wages of nearly ever be used as a costume or athletic discussion of what Larry Fink, CEO infrastructure — although, to be fair, $50,000 a year. uniform.” of uberinvestor BlackRock, has called May’s floods might have overwhelmed What was the business decision that The entire protest seemed entirely “quarterly earnings hysteria.” even a well-maintained levee. This issue was worth potentially alienating a devel- emotion-driven. Do we demand that There was clear consensus that is full of infrastructure stories, and there opment worth almost $25 million in pay- all companies commercialize patriot- short-term thinking that suffocates is a common theme: how to pay for things roll every year? You know what it was. ic symbols or face boycott? Or do we long-range planning and investment is that everyone wants when no one wants Nike had begun shipping a shoe with the reserve that for companies that change a real problem recognized by the vast to pay. Someone somewhere is going to original 13-star U.S. flag embroidered on their minds after consulting with a majority of public company executives, invest in the future and reap the ben- the heel but was talked out of the idea trusted (and wildly successful) endorser if no consensus yet on ways the SEC efits. It will be even more depressing if by Colin Kaepernick, the football player who has his finger on the pulse of the could improve the reporting environ- Arkansas is left on the sidelines. ■ Nike hired as a spokesman last sum- customer base? And should government mer after his kneeling protest during the officials inject their opinions into legal national anthem made him a political marketing decisions by private compa- lightning rod — and unemployed. nies when any harm would be limited Kaepernick, who is African American, to shareholders? Nike’s decision not to STAFF DIRECTORY persuaded Nike that the “Betsy Ross” sell the Air Max 1 USA hardly compares Arkansas Business flag had been co-opted by some white with Boeing’s decision to make safety Assistant Editors Marty Cook, Kyle Massey BUSINESS SALES & MARKETING supremacists as a nostalgic symbol of equipment an added-price option on the Mitch Bettis Vice President of Business Sales Publisher Deputy Online Editor Tre Baker the good ol’ days when black people were 737 Max. Gwen Moritz Bonnie Jacoby Editor Print/Digital Reporter Sarah Campbell-Miller slaves. (This was news to me, but I don’t Nike seems to know its business. After Art Director Wayne DePriest Researcher Roxanne Jones Senior Account Executive Rosemary Bruton seek out white supremacist progaganda.) its stock price dropped by a few cents on EDITORIAL Account Executives Because this is 2019, outrage was the day that the recall of the Betsy Ross Managing Editor Jan Cottingham BUSINESS SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS Elizabeth Haman, Alex Harper, immediate and widespread. It seems shoes was announced, it was up by more Online Editor Lance Turner Publisher Chris Bahn Myles McDougal, Abby Nolan, there are quite a few Americans who than 4% as of Wednesday’s close. Senior Editors Mark Friedman, George Waldon Managing Editor Todd Traub Alicia Sandage, Melissa Witcher were deeply offended that Nike had decided not to profit from what they *** Little Rock Family/Soirée Publisher Mandy Richardson Events Manager Tiffany Mattzela consider a patriotic symbol, even if When Nike confirmed that it was Little Rock Soirée Editor Jess Ardrey Events & Marketing Assistant Kelli Roy it offended others. The calls to still going to build in Arizona, Little Rock Soirée Sales Bethany Robinson, Sloane Grelen boycott Nike surprised me; if I Gov. Ducey tweeted out a FLEX360 WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT Little Rock Family Editor Alexis Crowe had given it much thought, I message of welcome. The Executive Director of Custom Solutions John Tucker would have figured that Ted city of Goodyear is making Little Rock Family Sales Manager Robin Tucker Jonathan Peoples Director of Software Development Cruz and the like-minded good on the tax incentives Senior Web Designer Lance Corder Consumer Publications Publisher Rachel Pitre had written off Nike as soon it offered Nike, but Ducey Lindsay Irvin Web Developer Colton Williams Consumer Publications Editor Kaepernick signed on. has not reinstated the $1 Consumer Publications Writer Lydia McAllister Project Manager Amanda Potter Cole Apparently not. Gov. million the state planned to Senior Account Executives Brandy Hubener, Heather Smith Web Service Specialist Susan Schade Digital Marketing Sales Manager Kristin Brown Ducey was photographed hand out. Production Manager April Scott Digital Account Executive Georgia Gazette wearing Nike sneakers on I find that to be the best part Senior Art Directors Irene Forbes, Dean Wheeler Digital Marketing Specialists Hannah Beck, Jessica Eubanks, the Fourth of July — two days after of the resolution: The taxpayers of Senior Designers Omar Alonso, Vince Palermo Aly Smith announcing that Arizonans “don’t Arizona aren’t having to give money to a Advertising Coordinators Maddie Brodell, Bethany Johnson need to suck up to companies that con- company that is clearly willing to come Digital Operations Specialist Rebekah Eveland ADMINISTRATION sciously denigrate our nation’s history.” without it. President Mitch Bettis Advertising Assistant Brock Walker Accounting Manager Natasha Norris And Sen. Cruz identified himself as a Nike customer until July 2, months after *** Circulation Manager Dana Wade Accounting Supervisor Kim Clark Senior Circulation Coordinator Shannon Ponder Human Resources Bill Page Kaepernik was hired. Someday maybe Americans will be Circulation Assistant De’Jarnette Johnson Executive Assistant Kristen Heldenbrand I’ve never been as drawn to symbols as outraged by the marketing strategies as I am to ideas, but I understand that of the opioid manufacturers as they are symbols can be very powerful. So it sur- about sneakers. prised me less that Nike withdrew the flag sneakers than that the idea was ever Email Gwen Moritz, editor of Arkansas 114 Scott St., Little Rock, AR 72201 | 501.372.1443 | Fax: 501.375.7933 | ArkansasBusiness.com | ABPG.com © Copyright 2019 • Five Legged Stool LLC greenlighted in the first place. I remem- Business and mother of two Eagle Scouts, ber that my sons had some T-shirts deco- at [email protected]. VIEWS Arkansas Business July 22, 2019 19

partnerships (P3s). Infrastructure Tools in Government’s Kit The Partnership for Public Facilities & Infrastructure Act (P3 Act) is another any articles have examined and allows local governments to better option for projects that serve the public. the highway funding discus- partner with the Arkansas Department Examples include mass transit facilities, Msions of the 2019 legislative of Transportation on projects, supple- bridges, roads, etc. Under current law, session. If 2020 general-election voters menting state and federal dollars. RMAs only state agencies (excluding ARDOT), approve a measure to continue levy- are financed through local sales or motor boards and commissions can contract ing a one-half percent sales tax, cities vehicle taxes. Bonds can be issued for with a private entity for a P3. and counties could receive more than RMAs, as well as state rollback funds. A While some jurisdictions have had $100 million annually for road funding revolving loan fund can also be created. negative experiences with P3s, others based on measures passed during the have seen significant benefits. A gov- 92nd General Assembly. These funds Improvement Districts ernmental entity must remain vigilant, will improve transportation statewide, Various improvement districts are ensuring it and its constituents are aware but local governments may also address authorized for financing Arkansas infra- of both the rewards and risks associated other deferred infrastructure needs. Commentary structure projects like road and bridge with partnering with a for-profit entity Let’s highlight three outside-the- construction, maintenance and repair. on infrastructure projects. box options local governments could William A. Gruber Municipal improvement districts During the 2021 legislative session, use to supplement existing funding and [email protected] (MIDs), suburban improvement districts the P3 Act could be amended to allow increased state spending for highways (SIDs), property owners’ improvement local governments to use P3s for infra- and roads, as well as a financing mecha- raised for local parks or outdoor recre- districts (POIDs) and rural road improve- structure projects, including transporta- nism that’s not currently available to ation, or to operate a public transit sys- ment districts (RRIDs) each offer unique tion-related projects. local governments but could be helpful if tem. If Title 14 of the Code is used, some advantages. Each improvement district One or more of these mechanisms the law were amended. proceeds must be used to pay city law has rules governing the formation and could be an effective tool for local gov- enforcement and firefighters. regulation of each type of district. In ernments and their citizens to uncover Vehicle Tax/Revenue Bonds If revenue bonds are used, then spe- general, each improvement district is additional funding for infrastructure A vehicle tax and associated bond cial obligation bonds with interest up to authorized to assess real property within improvement projects. issuance may be available to local gov- 4.5% per annum can be issued. A coun- its boundaries and use the funds for the While some are available now, others ernments to fund infrastructure, party in a regional mobility authority may benefit of the district. In addition, these may require additional work at the next ticularly the maintenance, construction impose two motor vehicle taxes. improvement districts can issue bonds. legislative session. ■ and rebuilding of streets. Two different statutory regimes let local governments Regional Mobility Authority Public-Private Partnerships William A. Gruber is vice president of vote on levying a privilege tax up to $5 A single county or contiguous coun- All these mechanisms could be effec- government relations and strategic part- per vehicle for operating motor vehicles ties and/or cities can form a transporta- tive as local governments and indi- nerships for InVeritas, which has offices on public roads and highways. tion agency through a regional mobility viduals address infrastructure needs. in Little Rock, Rogers and Washington. If Title 26 of the Arkansas Code is authority. An RMA transportation sys- However, one tool not currently available Email him at WGruber@InVeritasInfo. used, cities must use some of the funds tem includes streets and bicycle paths could be very useful — public-private com.

MAGNOLIA STREET OVERPASS ROGERS, ARKANSAS craftontull.com 20 July 22, 2019 Arkansas Business

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3151 Hwy. 10E, Perryville Great location at intersection of Hwy. 10 & Hwy. 9 in Saline County. All furniture, fixtures & equipment convey. Three fuel pumps. PLANNER Excellent Investment Opportunity! APPLY ONLINE: WWW.CITYOFSHERWOOD.NET EOE Contact John Lopez | 501-766-9026 | [email protected] www.rpmgroup.comwww.rpmgroup.com Legal Notices All persons having claims against the estate must v. CASE NO: 04CV-19-1504 0.38 Lot: 34 Block: 3 City: BVV Addition: CARDIGAN DAVIS, CLARK, BUTT, CARITHERS, TAYLOR, PLC An instrument dated March 14, 2003 was on the 17 th PROBATE NOTICE exhibit them, properly verified, to the distributee or BELLA VISTA VENTURES LLC, EDNA SD: CBV6 P.O. Box 1688 day of June 2019, admitted to probate as the last will IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LONOKE COUNTY, his or her attorney within three (3) months from the M. METCALF, VERTU RBS REF V0063 7LTS Taxes last paid by: Edna M. Metcalf Fayetteville, AR 72702-1688 of the above named decedent and the undersigned ARKANSAS date of the first publication of this notice or they shall DEFENDANTS (479) 521-7600 has been appointed Executrix thereunder. A contest of be forever barred and precluded from any benefit Tract III the probate of the will can be effected only by filing a PROBATE DIVISION of the estate. NOTICE OF CONFIRMATION OF TITLE Section: 4 Township: 20N Range: 31 W Acreage: 0.29 petition within the time provided by law. IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF The name, mailing address, and telephone number Lot: 30 Block: 4 City: BELLA VISTA VILLAGE Addition: PROBATE NOTICE All persons having claims against the estate must GILBERT EARL JOHNSON, DECEASED No. 43PR- of the distributee or distributee’s attorney is: Casey Notice is hereby given that a Complaint has been BELGRAVIA SD: CBV6 exhibit them, duly verified, to the undersigned within 19-229 Dorman Lawson, P.O. Box 1688, Fayetteville, AR filed in the office of the Circuit Clerk of Benton Taxes last paid by: VERTU RBS REF V0063 7LTS NOTICE six (6) months from the date of the first publication 72702. County, Arkansas, to quiet and confirm title in and to of this notice, or they shall be forever barred and NOTICE OF SMALL ESTATE This notice first published 15th day of July, 2019. the following described property in Benton County, Any person, firm, corporation, or improvement district IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF PULASKI COUNTY, precluded from any benefit in the estate. NAME OF DECEDENT: GILBERT EARL JOHNSON Arkansas: that can set up any right to the real property so ARKANSAS This notice first published on July 22, 2019. LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 1501 Lincoln, St., Lonoke, conveyed and forfeited is hereby notified to appear AR 72806 NOTICE OF CONFIRMATION Tract I herein, to show cause why the title to the real property FOURTEENTH DIVISION Amy L. Namowitz Worthen, Executrix DATE OF DEATH: APRIL 29, 2019 Section: 04 Township: 20N Range: 31W Acreage: 0.31 described herein should not be confirmed, quieted, c/o Dan C. Young OF TITLE Lot: 54 Block: 4 City: BELLA VISTA VILLAGE Addition and vested in Serenity Homes, Inc., Plaintiff herein, ESTATE OF THOMAS F. WORTHEN, DECEASED Rose Law Firm, On June 21, 2019, an affidavit for collection of small BELGRAVIA SD: CBV6 in fee simple. LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 5130 Shriver Avenue a Professional Association estate by distributee was filed with respect to the estate IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF BENTON COUNTY, Taxes last paid by: Bella Vista Ventures, LLC Des Moines, Iowa 50312 120 E. Fourth Street of GILBERT EARL JOHNSON, deceased, with the clerk ARKANSAS SERENITY HOMES, INC. Little Rock, AR 72201 of the probate division of the circuit court of LONOKE CIVIL DIVISION Tract II By: DATE OF DEATH: May 22, 2018 County, Arkansas, under Ark. Code Ann. § 28-41-101. SERENITY HOMES, INC. PLAINTIFF Section: 09 Township: 20N Range: 31W Acreage: Casey Dorman Lawson #2003130 DOCKET NO.: 60PR-19-1256 Arkansas Business July 22, 2019 21

The Ridge Assembly, led by Kenneth up an $859,500 sale. Justin Harris and Meckfessel, purchased the 33,342-SF site Mandy Marshall acquired the 1-acre res- at 3801 JFK Blvd. idential spread on the Arkansas River The seller is I-40 Kerr LLC, led by from Worth and Stacy Gibson. Byron McKimmey and Billy Morden. The deal is backed with a 30-year loan The deal is backed with a 3-year loan of $687,600 from IberiaBank of Lafayette,

Brookwood Drive of $720,000 from First Arkansas Bank Louisiana. The property previously was Future Home of KATV & Trust of Jacksonville and a $200,000 tied to a November 2014 mortgage of mortgage carried by I-40 Kerr. The $843,200 held by Bank of Little Rock 10 Turtle Creek Lane, Little Rock 4.92-acre development was bought for Mortgage Corp.

Riverfront Drive $530,000 in March 2017. The Gibsons purchased the house for $950,000 in April 2010 from Miles Goggans and an adjoining 0.6-acre par- Dollar Site cel for $160,000 in March 2014 from A 1.34-acre commercial site in North Stephen and Betty Bilheimer. Arkansas River Little Rock drew a $250,000 transaction. N PB General Holdings (Protho Junction) LLC, led by Leonard Boen, acquired the Deauville Place land near the northeast corner of High- A 4,103-SF home in the Deauville way 161 and Bethany Road. Place neighborhood of west Little Rock’s Future TV Studio Buy The seller is Crew Real Estate Invest- Chenal Valley development is under new ments LLC, led by Norman Clifton. ownership after a $710,000 deal. Construction of a Dollar General store Tanmay Bhamare bought the house Tunes In at $4.3 Million is funded with a $1 million loan from from the WK-LSM Family Trust, led by Relyance Bank of Pine Bluff. Wade and Kimberly McGill. A 25,248-SF office building in Little Crew purchased the land in August The deal is funded with a 30-year Rock’s Riverdale area tipped the scales 2017 as part of a $95,000 deal with James loan of $718,783 from Arvest Bank of at $4.36 million. and Jenny Neal. Fayetteville. KATV LLC, an affiliate of Sinclair The McGills acquired the location Broadcast Group Inc. of Cockeysville, for $115,000 in September 2014 from Maryland, purchased the 2-acre 10 Valley Falls Manor Gary Loyd Jr. and his wife, Yojaina. Turtle Creek Lane development and an A 5,933-SF home in the Valley Falls adjoining undeveloped 1.81-acre parcel. Estates neighborhood of west Little The seller is the Student Loan Guar- Rock tipped the scales at $1.52 million. Adkins Estates antee Foundation of Arkansas Inc., led Barton and Marion Hankins bought the A 4,498-SF home in west Little Rock’s by Sue Balest. The land previously was house from No. 2 Spring Valley Lane LLC, Adkins Estates neighborhood sold for tied to a November 2004 mortgage of led by Ayasha and Rodney Thomason. $705,000. $1.2 million held by Little Rock’s Pulaski The residence previously was tied to Robert Hall purchased the house from Bank & Trust. a March 2015 mortgage of $1.4 million Robert and Laura Vogel. The foundation bought the site for Real Deals held by Simmons Bank of Pine Bluff. The Vogels bought the location for $895,333 in November 2004 from Pleas- The property was acquired for $1.6 $159,000 in February 2008 from Jennifer ant Valley Inc., led by Marion Burton. George Waldon million more than four years ago from Day. [email protected] Michael and Jerene Montgomery.

Mini Purchase JMJ Family Properties LLC, led by John Normandy Abode A 262-unit mini-storage project in Mark Johnson, bought the Lakewood Woodlands Edge A 3,440-SF home in the Normandy south Little Rock changed hands in Professional Building at 4701 Fairway A 5,053-SF home in west Little Rock’s neighborhood of Little Rock changed a $1.25 million deal. Ave. from Keith and Melanie Grayson. Woodlands Edge neighborhood weighed hands in a $588,000 sale. Red Dot Storage 157 LLC of Louisville, The deal is financed with a 10-year in at $1.12 million. Severin and Ana Clara Tara Tinnin acquired the house from Colorado, acquired The Storage Place loan of $967,500 from Little Rock’s Bank Pouly purchased the house from Randy Steve and Robin Mangan. at 4600 and 4607 Hoffman Road from OZK. The 0.79-acre development pre- Wright Builders LLC. The deal is financed with a 25-year Bison Asset Management LLC of Frisco, viously was linked with an April 2017 The deal is financed with a 30-year loan of $388,000 from Regions Bank of Texas. mortgage of $681,864 held by Centennial loan of $990,000 from U.S. Bank of Cin- Birmingham, Alabama. Bison Asset bought the 6.66-acre de- Bank of Conway. cinnati. The residence previously was The residence previously was linked velopment for $775,000 in January 2017 The Graysons purchased sole owner- linked with an August 2018 mortgage of with a February 2013 mortgage of from the namesake trusts of Lawerance ship from Sharon Davis for $525,000 in $850,000 held by First Security Bank of $290,000 held by Little Rock’s Metropol- and Beverly Doyle. March 2017. Searcy. itan National Bank. The trusts purchased the project for The site was acquired for $233,000 The site was bought for $172,000 in The Mangans purchased the property $1.23 million in December 2004 from in July 2001 from Land Associates of January 2018 from Rocket Properties LLC, for $129,000 in April 1992 from Robert Pantanal LLC, led by Arlanders Etheley. Arkansas Inc., led by William Alfonso. led by Lisenne Rockefeller. Searcy. ■

Professional Purchase Elementary Transaction Greathouse Bend A 9,909-SF office building in North The former Park Hill Elementary in A 4,556-SF home in Little Rock’s Little Rock weighed in at $1.2 million. North Little Rock sold for $900,000. Greathouse Bend neighborhood rang

FOR SALE: I-30 RETAIL PROPERTY 10300 I-30, Little Rock, AR Property size: +/- 19,224 SF on 3.06 AC Colliers.com I-30 visibility with 501 372 6161 Casi Runnells, RPA • [email protected] quick access to I-30 & Baseline Rd 22 July 22, 2019 Arkansas Business This Week: A.J. Gary Arkansas Director of the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management Business What should businesses do to prepare for emergencies like Bio: A.J. Gary fl oods, tornadoes and power Background: A.J. Gary was Exec Q&A outages? Does ADEM have named in 2016 to lead the resources to assist them along Arkansas Department of To submit questions or interview suggestions, email [email protected] these lines? Arkansas businesses Emergency Manage- should ensure insurance cover- ment. He is also the A.J. Gary sees a New Madrid Seismic Zone earthquake as Arkansas’ “most age is suffi cient. Develop business state’s homeland likely worst case disaster.” preparedness plans and off er disaster security adviser. training to employees. Practice those Previously, Gary What would you like the gov- Emergencies related to climate plans. Make sure that your employ- was security and ernment to focus on to prevent change (fl oods, etc.) are hap- ees know what the processes and compliance director disasters and react better to pening more frequently. What procedures are if an emergency situ- of the Arkansas them? Natural disasters cannot be is ADEM doing to plan for the ation should arise. Are they prepared Scholarship Lottery. prevented. However, the eff ects of increasing frequency and sever- to be shut down for an undetermined He spent 28 years a natural disaster can be mitigated. ity of climate change-related amount of time? Are they prepared in law enforcement, Mitigation to disaster-damaged emergencies? We are continuously to rebuild and get back to business? including a stint as facilities and pre-disaster mitigation planning and conducting exercises so ADEM off ers outreach programs, Conway’s police chief. are key to minimizing the eff ects of a we are ready to handle disasters. The training and other resources on our Gary was chief security disaster. Although it can be diffi cult planning and exercises are done in co- website. The best thing businesses administrator for Air to prevent a manmade disaster, in- ordination with local emergency man- can do is prioritize their risk manage- Transport International creased awareness and utilizing tech- agement and state agencies. Everyone ment. They are the best ones to LLC as well. He has a nology to detect man-made threats should develop family preparedness know what risks their companies bachelor’s and master’s and hazards can help lessen, or even plans and disaster kits. They need to face. They should have contingency degree from Central Baptist prevent, some of those events from ensure enough insurance coverage for plans to ensure continuity of opera- College and Arkansas State taking place. I believe local, state and all types of disasters, including fl ood tions. Have a plan to address not only University, respectively. ■ federal governments should promote insurance. The ADEM Recovery Branch the physical facilities but also their a culture of thinking outside the box stays trained on the ever-changing personnel. How will they operate if [PHOTO BY KERRY PRICHARD] for mitigation proposals and should disaster grant programs available, and a large number of staff cannot reach work harder to approve more creative continues to look for new and creative the company or have to be off to ture branch can assist companies to develop relationships with local mitigation measures. avenues for disaster assistance. take care of family impacted by a in threat assessments and active emergency managers and other local disaster? ADEM’s critical infrastruc- threats. We also want the businesses support agencies. ■

LITTLE ROCK WATER RECLAMATION AUTHORITY PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT TODAY AND FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority (LRWRA) strives to protect and reclaim our most precious natural resource – water. Along with continued preventive maintenance and renewing the city’s aging sewer infrastructure, we have many other efforts to protect public health and the environment. Our work at LRWRA ensures Little Rock remains vibrant for years to come.

For more information on LRWRA’s improvement projects and how you can join us in this effort, visit lrwra.com.

11 CLEARWATER DR. LITTLE ROCK, AR 72204 | LRWRA.COM | 501. 376. 2903 2019 GET THE RECOGNITION YOUR CITY DESERVES The commitment by city leaders and citizens for innovation, improvement and growth deserve to be recognized.

ENTER TODAY! ARKANSASBUSINESS.COM/TRENDSETTER For more information, please contact Bonnie Jacoby at [email protected] or (501) 455-9308.

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