Intermodal Will Need Additional Local Funds To Complete Work

During the monthly meeting of the Southeast Arkansas Intermodal Facility Authority Board April 16th conducted in Monticello, the Authority voted to authorize the completion of plans and specifications for construction of a water tank on the intermodal site located between Monticello and Warren.  While the organization has some remaining grant money form the Economic Development Administration and the Delta Regional Authority, there will be a need to come up with more local matching money to complete the work.  It is estimated that about  $400,000.00 of local funds will be required.  During the discussion it was noted that only the cities of Monticello and Warren have been paying their local shares and that the counties of Bradley and Drew have not contributed matching funds in some time.

The ongoing consultant contract with Garver Engineers was another point of discussion.  The board voted to enter a  third supplemental contract with Garver in the amount of $118,000.00 to cover cost that have been exceeded during past work and to allow the firm to finish the water tank design

To comply with federal law the authority voted to approve an audit agreement with Emrich & Scroggins of Warren in the amount of $12,000.00 to $15,000.00.  Work on the audit will proceed at once.

It was mentioned during the meeting that the authority might have to utilize its letter of Credit and borrow money to complete the work being pursued.  At this time all past loans have been paid off.

The meeting concluded with a general discussion about the need to see progress made on the I-530 and I-69 interstate highway projects.  Intermodal Chairman John Lipton taled at lenth about the need for the Arkansas Congressional delegation to work to secure federal funding to get both projects moving.  He made the point that without federal assistance neither would ever be completed.  Nita McDaniel, a board member representing Monticello, voiced her concern that the Arkansas Highway Commission needs to be more aggressive in pushing for both projects.