AGP Executive Report

Grid & Data Centers: The U.S. Department of Energy announced $1.9 billion for 31 grid upgrade projects under its SPARK initiative, aiming to speed power connections for data centers and other large loads, unlocking 23GW of added capacity. Aviation & Growth: Northwest Arkansas National Airport is moving ahead with a nearly $79 million Western Concourse expansion, adding five net gates and more amenities, with construction starting this fall. Manufacturing & Trade: Welspun Corp’s Little Rock operation landed a record $412.5 million order for HFIW pipes, pushing its global order book to $4.7 billion and scheduled for FY28–FY29 execution. Rural Health: Gov. Sarah Sanders announced $54.6 million in second-round Rural Health Transformation Program grants to support projects across Arkansas, following earlier funding. Public Safety & Local Policy: Benton County approved a fund for its 287(g) ICE program and authorized applying for a $45 million DOJ jail expansion grant. Community & Industry Support: AgHeritage Farm Credit Services added Madelyn Massey in Batesville, while Arkansas rice mills donated 201,500 pounds to the Arkansas Foodbank. Energy Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported Arkansas regular gas averaging $4.02 for the week ending Sept. 19, with notable low-price pockets across multiple counties.

Arkansas Economy & Industry: Eaton is expanding in North Little Rock with a $242M, 1-million-square-foot Fibrebond facility expected to double customized electrical enclosure capacity and create 1,200+ jobs, targeting data centers, utilities, industrial and digital communications demand. Agriculture & Food Processing: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced a $5M short-term bridge loan to Delta Peanut in Jonesboro to keep the peanut harvest from rotting after a federal warehouse bond was pulled; the state says the move could save about 80% of the crop while the company works toward acquisition. Rural Health: Sanders also rolled out an additional $54.6M in Rural Health Transformation Program grants, including $27.4M for HEART nutrition/active recreation projects and $27.2M for RISE AR workforce recruitment and training. Infrastructure & Aviation: Texarkana Regional Airport is moving ahead with demolition of the former Lantz Lurry Juvenile Detention Center for a runway extension tied to future wide-body MRO plans. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reported Arkansas regular gas averaging $4.02 statewide for the week ending Sept. 19, with multiple county “lowest price” points noted across the state. Public Safety & Weather: Wildfires in the Mississippi Delta burned 500+ acres total as burn bans remain in effect, while Arkansas drought conditions continue to raise fire risk.

Wildfire Response: Arkansas’ Bunker Fire near East Camden hit 90% containment after burning 2,849 acres, with National Guard helicopters dropping about 406,920 gallons of water and crews from multiple states supporting suppression. Agriculture & Fire Safety: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is urging row-crop producers to follow smoke management and burn-ban rules during harvest as drought accelerates harvest and most counties remain under restrictions. Workforce Development: Southern Arkansas University received a $50,000 ExxonMobil gift to build its Workforce Development Center, targeting training for critical minerals and advanced manufacturing careers in Southwest Arkansas. Retail Testing Expansion: UL Solutions expanded its Retail Center of Excellence in Lowell to add apparel and textiles testing alongside existing furniture, toys, electronics, and other retail categories. Consumer Finance: Georgia AG Carr secured a 41-state $694 million settlement with Credit Acceptance Corporation, including cash and debt relief for consumers and requirements to curb risky loan practices. Data Privacy: A report highlights how data broker Acxiom compiles detailed personal profiles, raising concerns about accuracy and how consumer data is sold.

Data Centers & Local Power: Pulaski County lawmakers advanced new data center rules on noise plus water and power planning, with County Judge Barry Hyde holding a 7-day veto window; the measure would require electrical load analyses, water and wastewater plans, land-use suitability studies, and decommissioning plans. EV Charging Supply Chain: NEMA says Lincoln Electric is the first certified EV supply equipment maker under its Make It American program, aiming to help states like Arkansas use domestic-content standards for federally funded charging builds. Wildfire Response: With drought pushing fire risk, Arkansas activated the South Central Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact, sending five-state task force teams and equipment to support state crews. Agriculture Under Stress: Extreme heat is forcing some Arkansas farmers to feed livestock like winter, while soybean harvest is racing ahead—50% complete by Sept. 20, well above the five-year average. Defense & Manufacturing: Hanwha is moving forward with a $2.2B munitions manufacturing campus at Pine Bluff Arsenal, targeting 400 jobs. Workforce & Training: CAE USA won a $300M Air Force recompete to keep C-130H aircrew training running through 2035 at Little Rock Air Force Base and other sites. Local Media: KASU is expanding Arkansas Roots from one hour to two weekdays, adding more local business, agriculture, and government coverage.

Defense Manufacturing: South Korean firm Hanwha Defense USA says it will build a $2.2 billion artillery ammunition factory at Pine Bluff Arsenal, creating about 400 jobs over seven years, with production of 155mm propellant charges and base bleed units. Wildfire Response: Arkansas activated the South Central Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact and is sending for help from Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina as drought worsens; the state says it has responded to 500+ wildfires since Aug. 1. Water & Harvest Pressure: Burn bans remain in multiple northern counties, and the state is urging drivers to slow down for farm equipment during peak harvest season. Local Industry & Infrastructure: Fort Smith’s board will vote Oct. 5 on hiring an engineering firm (Arcadis) to manage consent decree sewer upgrades after a 2015 agreement and an extension to 2038. Workforce & Training: ATU-Ozark expanded its skilled trades facility by about 7,000 square feet to meet rising demand for welding and HVAC training. Food Supply: The Food Bank of North Central Arkansas is seeking a zoning change to build a 30-by-70-foot greenhouse using aquaponics to boost production. Economy Watch: Arkansas unemployment fell to 3.9% in August, with non-farm payroll jobs rising 12,200.

Wildfire Mutual Aid: Arkansas has activated the South Central Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact as drought worsens, with the state responding to 500+ wildfires since Aug. 1 (11,000+ acres) and 1,457 since the start of the year (37,000+ acres); task force teams from Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina are deploying with bulldozers and engines, alongside National Guard aviation support. Harvest Safety: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is urging drivers to slow down and watch for farm equipment during peak harvest, warning that most crashes happen at field entrances and during unsafe passing, with blind spots and wide turns making combines and grain carts especially risky. Defense Manufacturing: Hanwha Defense USA says it will invest $2.2 billion at the U.S. Army Pine Bluff Arsenal to produce 155mm propellant charges and base bleed units, targeting nearly 400 jobs at $50+/hour. Lithium Push: In south Arkansas, a Smackover Formation lithium project is advancing a $1.5 billion commercial operation tied to domestic battery and defense supply goals. Food & Packaging Tech: University of Arkansas researchers are testing rice bran for biodegradable, antimicrobial food packaging films using cold plasma. Local Business Growth: Hall CPA acquired Little Rock’s Tooth & Coin, expanding accounting services for dental practices. Aviation Update: XNA reported a slight August dip in outbound enplanements, while projecting growth to about 1.3 million for 2026.

Defense Manufacturing: Hanwha Defense USA opened an office at Pine Bluff Arsenal and says it will invest about $2.2 billion over seven years to build an advanced ammunition campus, targeting 155mm propellant charges and base bleed units and creating about 400 jobs. Public Safety: Arkansas Forestry crews report the Bunker Fire in Calhoun County is 75% contained after burning more than 2,800 acres, with burn bans still in effect across most of the state. Aviation & Training: Little Rock Air Force Base will keep supporting C-130 Hercules aircrew training under a $300 million recompete deal through December 2035, extending a contract that began in 2018. Finance Policy: Sen. Katie Britt plans to introduce a bill to index bank regulatory thresholds to economic growth, a move that could affect how Arkansas and other states’ banks are regulated. Agriculture & Food Security: UAPB named Amit Kumar Sinha interim chair of aquaculture and fisheries, while UAPB Extension programs continue community gardening and food-security training in Kenya. Energy & Costs: AAA reports gas prices keep climbing as crude stays high, with national averages nearing earlier-year peaks.

Defense & Manufacturing: Hanwha Defense USA says it will invest about $2.2 billion to build an advanced munitions manufacturing campus at Pine Bluff Arsenal, aiming to create ~400 jobs over seven years producing 155mm propellant charges and base bleed units. Aviation Services: Little Rock Air Force Base will keep providing C-130 Hercules training and logistics under a $300 million Air Force recompete contract running through Dec. 2035. Agriculture & Safety: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture urges drivers to slow down during harvest season as farm equipment moves slowly on state and county roads. Water & Drought Planning: Botanica plans a 3-million-gallon reservoir in Wichita’s Sim Park to reduce reliance on municipal water after drought restrictions. Consumer Finance: Arkansas joins a 41-state $694 million settlement with Credit Acceptance, including $28.19M+ in relief for thousands of Georgians and new consumer protections. Logistics & Trade: Arkansas River tonnage is up 7%+ year-to-date through August, with internal shipments driving gains. Local Business Real Estate: Halsey Real Estate names Mark Bingman to lead a new Little Rock commercial office opening Oct. 1, 2026.

Consumer Finance & Enforcement: Michigan AG Dana Nessel announced Arkansas and 40 other states joined a $694 million multistate settlement with subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance Corp., including cash and debt relief plus new safeguards against risky lending and dealer “packing” of add-on products. Healthcare & Construction: Mercy and the Alice L. Walton Foundation broke ground on the 120-acre AWSOM Whole Health Campus in Bentonville, a planned regional specialty-care hub with a major advanced-care facility opening in 2029 and future cancer and hospital expansions. Transportation & Growth: Arkansas DOT opened Highway 642 to connect the Springdale Northern Bypass (I-42) with XNA, celebrating the $180 million second phase and setting up further bypass extensions to ease local congestion. Industrial Real Estate: Northwest Arkansas industrial demand stays solid despite higher vacancy tied to new warehouse supply, with experts pointing to strong absorption and continued need for large, well-located space. Workforce & Business Climate: House Financial Services Chairman French Hill and Sen. Tom Cotton drafted legislation to ease PCAOB audit requirements for small broker-dealers, aiming to cut compliance costs for smaller firms. Energy & Security: Federal agencies warned that AI is helping attackers target internet-exposed Siemens industrial controls, raising new urgency for Arkansas-area utilities and manufacturers to harden legacy systems.

Sewer overhaul in Fort Smith: The Fort Smith Board will review hiring Arcadis to manage a costly federal consent decree for sewer system upgrades, with officials citing spending of $136M since 2015 and near-$800M total compliance costs through 2038. Wildfire watch in Logan County: The New Blaine fire burned 370+ acres; Forestry Commission wrapped suppression efforts while local crews monitor for flare-ups as burn bans remain widespread. Farm input pressure: Barton Ag instructor Dr. Vic Martin highlighted sulfur’s role in crop production as drought and high fertilizer, fuel, and nitrogen prices squeeze producers. Tourism economy: Arkansas’ 2% tourism tax revenue rose 8.5% in Jan–Jun 2026 to $14.234M, with June hitting a new monthly record of $2.961M. Food safety: Walmart recalled a Great Value frozen berry blend in 16 states due to possible E. coli contamination; Michigan stores weren’t affected. Workforce pipeline in West Memphis: Google-backed tech and cybersecurity/IT programs aim to move students into internships and jobs. Agriculture innovation: UA research points to rice bran protein films treated with cold plasma as a biodegradable, antibacterial food packaging option. Local infrastructure: Springdale’s $4.8M East Emma Avenue streetscape project is set to start in October. Public health policy: Arkansas lawmakers are watching pharmacy benefit manager reform efforts after Missouri’s PBM oversight push failed again.

Arkansas Economy & Jobs: Arkansas unemployment ticked down to 3.9% in August, with employment hitting a record high—good news for manufacturers, builders, and service employers watching labor demand. Local Construction & Growth: Springdale’s $4.8 million East Emma Avenue Streetscape project is set to start in October, aiming to reshape traffic flow and add sidewalks, ADA ramps, lighting, trees, and benches. Real Estate & Development: Little Rock saw new building permits, including a $725,000 home at 2011 N. Cleveland St., while recent Pulaski County deed activity included a $1M sale at 1619 Louisiana St. Food & Ag Innovation: University of Arkansas researchers say rice bran could become biodegradable food packaging with built-in antibacterial action, using cold plasma to target foodborne bacteria. Tech, Privacy & Policy: A new look at data brokers—including Arkansas-based Acxiom—highlights how personal profiles are compiled and sold, raising fresh pressure for stronger state privacy rules. Community & Public Safety: Logan County wildfire evacuation orders were lifted after the fire was fully contained, though barns and sheds were damaged. Healthcare Access: Alice Walton’s Mercy and Cleveland Clinic-backed Bentonville campus aims to expand specialty care and improve outcomes across rural Arkansas. Sports & Local Mood: Arkansas’ SEC opener ended in a 45-17 loss to No. 2 Georgia, with fans already showing frustration as the Silverfield era struggles to find traction.

Healthcare Expansion: Alice Walton and Mercy/Cleveland Clinic are backing the AWSOM Whole Health Campus in Bentonville, aiming to expand specialty care access across rural Arkansas and the broader Heartland. Consumer & Finance: Arkansas will receive $660,000 in penalties as part of a $694M multistate settlement with subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance, including cash restitution and debt relief plus new consumer protections. Energy & Agriculture: Diesel prices remain a major hit for Arkansas farmers during harvest, with AAA reporting diesel around $6.14 in the state as record-high fuel costs squeeze margins. Infrastructure & Construction: Trumann is pushing Highway 69 widening forward, with utility relocations nearing completion and a major water pipe shift costing about $1M for the city. Local Economy & Jobs: Arkansas unemployment fell to 3.9% in August, signaling continued labor-market strength. Business Growth: 7 Brew Coffee, an Arkansas-based chain, is opening two new Massachusetts drive-thru locations, extending its footprint beyond West Springfield. Public Safety: Wildfire suppression efforts near Camden and Calhoun County continue, with containment reported at about 65%.

Medicaid Drug Pricing: President Trump says all 50 states’ Medicaid programs will get “most favored nation” pricing on hundreds of brand-name drugs under the GENEROUS rebate plan, aiming for about $65B in savings over a decade—Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders was at the announcement. Food & Agriculture Costs: Record diesel prices are squeezing Arkansas farmers during harvest, with AAA reporting diesel around $6.14 in the state, raising costs across the food chain. Arkansas Economy: Arkansas unemployment fell to 3.9% in August as employment hit a record high, adding thousands of jobs statewide. Health Care & Policy: A coalition led by AG Steve Marshall warned about Chinese “national security” risks in the pharmaceutical supply chain, targeting FDA’s “green list” concerns. Local Infrastructure: Trumann begins a major Highway 69 widening utility relocation, including a water pipe shift costing about $1M for the city. Manufacturing & Jobs: Cargill plans a $60M Thailand poultry expansion with automation and AI to boost cooked chicken output and exports.

Wildfire Response: Oklahoma and Mississippi National Guard helicopters are helping Arkansas fight the Bunker Fire near Camden’s Highland Industrial Park, using 2,000-gallon “Bambi buckets” as the blaze sits about 75% contained. Workforce & Power Grid: SWEPCO honored 18 journeyman lineworkers after an 8,000-hour, U.S. Department of Labor-accredited apprenticeship—training that supports the grid across Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. State Economy: Arkansas unemployment fell to 3.9% in August as employment hit a record high, with nonfarm payroll jobs up 12,200. Energy & Policy: At the Capitol, lawmakers reviewed state finances, education and energy needs, including updates on data center demand and electricity planning. Healthcare Pricing: Trump announced Medicaid “most favored nation” drug pricing access in all 50 states, aiming for major Medicaid savings. Agriculture Research: A $1.9M NSF grant will test soil fungi to boost drought tolerance in wheat and rice, with Arkansas State leading part of the work. Infrastructure Planning: Saline County advanced a feasibility study for replacing the Williams Creek Bridge using federal-aid funding. Consumer Protection: Arkansas joined a $694M multistate settlement with subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance, with $660,000 in civil penalties tied to the case. Education & Athletics: UA trustees ordered a review focused on restoring Razorback football competitiveness and resources.

Energy & Fuel Costs: The national gas average rose to $4.44, up 16 cents from last week, as crude stayed volatile around $100 a barrel. Federal Health Policy: The White House says it will refund about $500 per person in Obamacare “overcharges” to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Arkansas. Agriculture & Seafood: The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced its Farm Bill version, with provisions aimed at supporting domestic seafood and other farm priorities, with Arkansas Sen. John Boozman leading. Auto Lending Crackdown: Arkansas AG Tim Griffin joined a $694 million multistate settlement with Credit Acceptance, requiring stronger consumer protections and providing cash/debt relief. Wildfire Response: Calhoun County’s Bunker Fire is about 65% contained after burning roughly 2,800+ acres; officials say hot spots remain and an investigation will follow. Utilities & Data Centers: Lawmakers questioned Entergy Arkansas about potential ratepayer impacts from Google’s West Memphis data center project. Solar Manufacturing: SMA Solar opened a new $92 million gigawatt factory in Germany, targeting utility-scale solar, storage, and related systems. Retail Tech: UL Solutions expanded its Lowell, Arkansas Retail Center of Excellence, integrating softlines and hardlines testing for consumer products. Education & Workforce: Central Delta Community Action highlighted Jefferson County services including LIHEAP, rental help, workforce development, and weatherization. Local Construction: Little Rock’s West High School project is on track for a March 2027 finish, with a campus planned for up to 1,400 students.

Obamacare Relief: The White House says it will refund about $500 per person to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Arkansas, after claiming federal exchange “user fees” were overcharged. Consumer Finance Crackdown: Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin joined a $694 million multistate settlement with Credit Acceptance over predatory auto loans, with Arkansas set to receive $660,000 in civil penalties and required changes to disclosures and dealer “packing” of unwanted add-ons. Retail & Tech in Arkansas: UL Solutions is expanding its Northwest Arkansas Retail Center of Excellence in Lowell by integrating softlines (apparel/textiles) testing with hardlines (furniture, toys, electronics). Healthcare Expansion: Alice Walton broke ground on the $700 million Whole Health Campus in Bentonville, aiming to expand specialty care with Mercy and Cleveland Clinic partners. Agriculture Outlook: NASS forecasts record Arkansas corn and soybean yields, while noting heat and drought hurt early-planted crops. Wildfire Response: Calhoun County’s wildfire remains 65% contained, with thousands of acres burned and continued firefighting and investigation underway. Energy & Data Center Tension: Entergy Arkansas dropped a federal lawsuit tied to publication of records about Google’s West Memphis data center. Workforce Pipeline: Be Pro Be Proud and Meta announced a 10th Anniversary Mobile Workshop Tour to connect students with technical, high-wage career paths. Water Infrastructure: The U.S. House passed the Water Resources Development Act, including a provision for Colorado’s Arkansas Valley Conduit.