2012 January | Delta Bridge Project

These are the posts from January 2012

January 31, 2012

Community Development Updates – 2011 in Review

Here’s a rundown of some of the key projects that were completed, funded or initiated in 2011:

1. Fort Curtis
Phase One construction was completed on this ¾ replica Union Fort (see story below).

2. Chamber of Commerce BR&E
The Phillips County Chamber of Commerce received $95,000 to fund its Business Retention and Expansion program.

3. Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program
Innovative program was launched by the Delta AHEC providing curriculum and training to enable all four public school districts to offer teen pregnancy prevention education to 7^th, 8^th and 9^th graders.

4. King Biscuit Blues Festival
Festival leadership developed plans to expand the year-round impact of the festival, with three Live on the Levee concerts starting in the spring and a robust Blues in Schools program.

5. Mini-Grant program
A Delta Bridge Project Mini-Grant program was funded to encourage volunteerism and include more community partners. A formal announcement about the launch of this exciting effort will be coming out this summer.

6. Helena Entrepreneur Center
Program completed successful first year (see story below).

7. Helena Wayfinding and Gateway Signage Plan
A nationally-recognized signage company developed plans for coordinated wayfinding and gateway signage to improve the visitor experience.

8. Trails and Greenways Plan
Work began on a $36,700 grant to develop a Trails and Greenways Plan for the City of Helena.

9. Downtown Helena Farmer’s Market
Market received $39,215 USDA FMPP Grant for expansion.

10. HUD Rural Innovation Grant
This $2 million grant will fund business and downtown development incentives for the county.

11. Chamber Leadership Grant
Grant under review to support the new Chamber leadership academy and Phillips County Volunteer Corps efforts.

12. Freedom Park – Civil War Helena
A $385,000 grant is under review to fund the creation of the first National Park Service Underground Railroad “Network to Freedom” site in the state of Arkansas.

13. Biscoe Corridor Improvements
The state began construction on the new $3 million Welcome Center at the foot of the Helena Bridge. Additionally, a private developer finalized a $5.6 million plan to renovate the Old Helena High School into 40 two-bedroom apartments for seniors.

Delta Bridge Project Education Health Care Housing Jobs and Economic Development Leadership Development Tourism, Recreation, Quality of Life

Fort Curtis and Civil War Helena

Fort Curtis - Phase 1 Construction

The Civil War Helena tourism initiative made significant progress in 2011. In addition to completing the Phase One construction of Fort Curtis, local partners solidified plans for Freedom Park, began work on the Civil War Helena website, and created more than a dozen additional interpretive panels.

Fort Curtis will be one of the key destination attractions for Civil War Helena, serving as the only replica fort of its kind in the region. Phase One development included construction of the fort’s earthen walls, gun platforms, and sodding of the site. Phase Two development is slated for completion by this summer and will include an imitation well, flagpole, tents, replica guns, parking, and exterior lighting and landscaping.

Freedom Park will serve as another destination attraction for Civil War Helena. Plans were finalized for this self-guided interpretive park, which has already been designated as the first official Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site in Arkansas. Both Freedom Park and Fort Curtis will be operated by the Delta Cultural Center.

The Helena Museum of Phillips County and Phillips County Library saw the installation of several Civil War interpretive panels. Additional signs, statues, and exhibits will be fabricated and installed throughout 2012.

Local tourism leaders are working to bring the key Civil War Helena attractions online by 2013, the year in which the State Sesquicentennial Commission will focus on the Battle of Helena. The initiative is projected to attract 61,000 visitors by 2019, leading to the creation of at least 44 tourism-supported jobs. Keep an eye out for new developments in and around the downtown in the coming months.

Tourism, Recreation, Quality of Life

Helena Entrepreneur Center Update

New HEC Office Under Construction

Terrance Clark and Will Staley, Co-Directors of the Helena Entrepreneur Center (HEC), have had a busy 2011. To date, HEC has conducted three 10-week seminars with 16 participants. Participants include Shelley Haynes King and Daniel Strickland. Shelly has developed a specialty sanding tool and Daniel is interested in running a local bed and breakfast. Their latest round of classes began January 26^th; this class is their largest yet with 15 participants enrolled.

Additionally, Terrance has been working with Phillips Community College to oversee the construction of the program’s new 3,500 square foot office space on Ohio St. The space is one of the many benefits provided to HEC clients. Construction should be complete by mid-February, so look for a ribbon cutting announcement coming soon.

For more information about the Helena Entrepreneur Center, please visit: www.helenastartup.org.

Jobs and Economic Development Leadership Development

January 30, 2012