The Southeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Facilities Authority Board meeting in Warren, Arkansas on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, was marked by the presence of new members attending for the first time. Among them was ex officio member and Monticello Mayor Jason Akers, who introduced himself and shared a bit about his background. He has been in law enforcement since 1993 and served 20 years in the prosecuting attorney’s office. Akers is currently serving his first term as mayor.
Former Warren Mayor Bryan Martin represented the City of Warren and was appointed by Mayor Gregg Reep. Tim Kessler, representing Drew County, was appointed by Drew County Judge Jessi Griffin. Griffin also reappointed Michael Efird, while Bettye Gragg represented Drew County.
Two other ex officio members were presented, including Warren Mayor Gregg Reep and Bradley County Judge Klay McKinney.
Chairman John Lipton and Bob Smalling were also present at the meeting, along with Bob Milton, who gave a financial report. He explained that the previous month, they had to transfer $10,000 between bank accounts because Arkansas Midland Railroad had requested another payment of $6,110 for a railroad crossing. The total cost of the project is $110,000.
The intermodal property spans 320 total acres located near Wilmar and is governed equally by the four partners, Bradley County, Warren, Drew County, and Monticello.
Milton stated that the property is worth about $8,000,000, and Lipton mentioned that two prospects are looking at developing industrial sites on the property.