ARKADELPHIA, AR, July 07, 2025: The Economic Development Corporation of Clark County (EDCCC), in partnership with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), officially broke ground on the newly renamed 991-acre Southwest Arkansas Mega Site on Monday, July 7, at the Richwood Substation in Arkadelphia. At a total project cost of $2.14 million, this project represents investment from state and local entities including a $1,013,710 site development grant through AEDC’s inaugural Site Development Program.
Community members, local leaders, and state officials gathered at 1:00 p.m. to witness the start of a transformative project that positions the region for industrial growth. Special guests included Arkansas State Senator Steve Crowell, AEDC Executive Director Clint O’Neal, and representatives from Bailey Construction of Little Rock, the firm managing site development.
“The Arkansas Site Development Program was designed to help communities take charge of their economic future by developing their industrial infrastructure, and Clark County is taking a major step in this direction with the development of the Southwest Arkansas Mega Site,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “This industrial site will play an important role in bringing new jobs to Clark County. Companies want sites that are construction ready, and these state and local funds put the community one step closer to having an excellent mega site that is among the top sites in the country. Congratulations to the leadership in Clark County for having the vision to invest in their future.”
Previously marketed as the Clark County Super Site, the property has been renamed the Southwest Arkansas Mega Site as part of a strategic initiative to elevate its visibility and appeal to national and international site selectors. The new name reflects both the scale and potential of the site, reinforcing its readiness to support major manufacturing and industrial operations.
The project was made possible by a $1,013,710 site development grant awarded to the EDCCC in December 2024 through the AEDC’s Arkansas Site Development Program. The funding is part of a larger $10 million initiative benefiting 13 communities across the state to enhance industrial site readiness and attract job-creating projects.
Located near the Clark County Industrial Park in Gum Springs, the 991-acre Southwest Arkansas Mega Site will undergo a series of critical improvements funded by this grant, including due diligence, site certification, and erosion control engineering. These enhancements will significantly increase the site's competitiveness for future development, positioning Clark County as a prime location for new and expanding businesses.
“Site development is a strategic investment that improves our ability to attract new businesses and create jobs. Project-ready sites send a clear message that our community is serious about growth and ready to compete,” said Shelley Short, CEO of the EDCCC. “With support from AEDC, Governor Sanders, and the Arkansas General Assembly, we’re strengthening regional competitiveness and laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth.”
The Arkansas Site Development Program offers matching grants to support projects that improve industrial site readiness. Eligible uses of funds include infrastructure extension, right-of-way and easement acquisition, soil analysis, grading, drainage improvements, due diligence studies, and other enhancements necessary to make sites competitive for future investment.
The Economic Development Corporation of Clark County is proud to lead this transformative project and remains committed to growing jobs, attracting industry, and strengthening the economic future of southwest Arkansas.
About the Economic Development Corporation of Clark County
The Economic Development Corporation of Clark County is a tax-funded organization created to secure opportunities for job creation with existing industries while expanding our job market by actively soliciting new industries to foster economic growth in Clark County.
About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission
At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn’t happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success. AEDC is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce. To learn more, visit ArkansasEDC.com.
