WM A&P moves funds to get park project rolling

WM A&P moves funds to get park project rolling

Board authorizes payment via ‘ e- vote’

news@theeveningtimes.com

The West Memphis Advertising and Promotions Commission voted to pay some park fees. While that business seems mundane, the method of the poll was unique. Because of the urgency for payment before the next regular scheduled meeting, commissioners participated in an e-mail vote to authorize initial fees for the Delta Regional River Park.

A big share of the park funding come from Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funds through the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department. City Planner Paul Luker made the request to the A& P through City Tourism Director Jim Jackson who conducted the electronic poll of commissioners. It was a good news and let’s get going proposition.

“The good news is the bids are within our estimate and funding commitments for construction,” wrote Luker to the A& P. “However, in order to move the project forward and award the bid A&P

Continued from Page 1

to the contractor AHTD is requiring an upfront administrative fee of $12,500.”

The move would allow construction to start on the on the county roads and new trail between the bridges before it becomes bogged down with winter weather and springtime high water.

Jackson reminded commissioners they had already approved a quarter of one million dollars grant match for the project and established a line item to contribute toward the Delta Regional River Park trail construction. The tourism director called for the electronic

poll. “They need this money as soon as possible to insure no delays in the construction process,” explained Jackson.

A& P Commissioners affirmed the action with voting returns over the weekend and Luker expressed gratitude for the quick action.

“I want to thank you and your commissioners for all your support of the Big River Crossing and Delta Regional River Park Projects,” said Luker.

By John Rech