As one of Arkansas’ most prominent industrial parks, the Port of Little Rock has attracted businesses from six different countries, making it a cornerstone of the Natural State’s industrial landscape.
The Port of Little Rock is currently working on an exciting new project: a 1,000-acre megasite aimed at attracting a major manufacturer. With this summer’s approval of the relocation of an air traffic control beacon, the Port looks forward to marketing the site beginning in October.
New Opportunities for Development
One of the greatest strengths of the Port of Little Rock is its ample greenfield space and diverse logistical options. Its access to the Arkansas River, multiple roadways, and a short-line railroad—along with its close proximity to the Bill and Hillary National Airport—offers unparalleled flexibility.
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“When you’re moving large volumes of commodities or goods, you want to have those choices,” said Bryan Day, Executive Director of the Little Rock Port Authority, in an interview with Sarah DeClerk of Arkansas Money & Politics. “Is it better to load on a railroad? Is it better to put it on a barge? Does airfreight make sense? How close are the interstates?”
A Forward-Thinking Approach
The Port of Little Rock is focusing on greenfield sites that are free from previous developments. The goal is to simplify the construction process, allowing companies to build quickly and efficiently. Part of this process is ensuring that the land is free from obstacles like environmental hazards, cultural significance, or endangered species. By doing this, the Port aims to provide a seamless experience for businesses that are ready to break ground.
“If a company comes to town, they’re not necessarily looking for reasons to locate there. They’re looking for reasons not to locate there,” Day pointed out. “Is the land not ready? Is it not under control? Have the studies not been done? Are there no utilities to it? If we can provide those cultural studies, those environmental studies, those geo-technical studies to give all that information in a packet to the prospect, then it makes that decision so much easier for them to choose your community.”
The Next Decade & Beyond
The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the vulnerability of supply chains and highlighted the critical role of American manufacturing. Day predicts that Little Rock, along with other mid-sized cities, will see a surge in demand for industrial real estate in the coming years.
“I think that you’re going to see a lot of opportunity over the next 10 years, a lot of distribution, a lot of manufacturing in communities like Little Rock, and real estate’s the key to all of that,” Day explained.
“If there’s no real estate, the city has no product. If there’s no product, they’re not even going to look at you. They’re going to go somewhere else. If they go somewhere else, you’re not creating jobs.”
As the Port of Little Rock continues to grow and adapt to the evolving needs of the global economy, it remains a cornerstone of economic development in Arkansas. With strategic planning and a commitment to readiness, the port is poised to attract new businesses, create jobs, and drive the region’s economic success for years to come.
