The Little Rock Regional Chamber and Entergy Arkansas announced today the completion of its Select Site certification for a new 875-acre industrial megasite located on the southeastern portion of the Little Rock Port.
Representatives from both organizations along with Congressman French Hill, Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde, and leadership from the Little Rock Port Authority were on hand to celebrate this achievement.
Select Site is an initiative designed to provide Entergy Arkansas-served communities with a competitive advantage and shovel-ready sites. This developmental and promotional tool allows communities to certify sites using a set of comprehensive and pre-determined criteria to better satisfy site location searches by consultants and companies.
“In 2016, I called Rep. French Hill requesting help in scheduling a meeting with the FAA to discuss relocating the VOR Cone at the Little Rock Port. As a past Chairman of the Little Rock Regional Chamber, Rep. Hill understood it was essential to the future economic growth of the central Arkansas region,” said Jay Chesshir, President and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber. “That was the first step in a decade-long journey in partnership with Bryan Day and the Little Rock Port Authority to study this site, acquire the property, build the infrastructure, and take the site to market, which we are officially doing today.”
“Thanks to unprecedented investment from Mayor Scott and the Little Rock City Board of Directors, with infrastructure support from Judge Barry Hyde and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, this is the largest certified industrial site in central Arkansas and is well-suited for a large manufacturer who needs access to interstates, rail and port facilities, plus adjacent land for suppliers,” Chesshir added. “The additional marketing that comes with certification also provides our site with an advantage as we compete for investment against other markets around the United States. Our last certified site led to our recruitment of Amazon, which has created thousands of jobs for people across the metro Little Rock region. We hope to have an even larger impact with the Little Rock Port Megasite.”
“The Little Rock Port Megasite provides access to road, river, rail, and runway – intersecting in the heart of the state’s Capital City,” said Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. “This certification sets the stage for a transformational economic development project that could change the face of Little Rock and provide high-paying job opportunities for residents in our city and across the central Arkansas region.”
“In Arkansas, we are prioritizing the development of shovel-ready sites to attract top-tier companies to our state,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “The Little Rock Port Megasite will be a significant asset for the State of Arkansas as we pursue economic development prospects, and Entergy’s ‘Select Site’ certification positions it as a location that meets the qualifications that site selectors and companies look for in an industrial site.”
Entergy Arkansas Vice President of Business and Economic Development Danny Games was on hand today to recognize the megasite as the newest Entergy Arkansas Select Site and commended the group on the completion of the comprehensive review and documentation process. A grant was provided by Entergy Arkansas to help offset some of the costs associated with the certification. Also, as a benefit of certification, custom videos and 360 images of the site were created by Entergy. The megasite will be featured on the Arkansas Site Selection Center. You can view the full video here.
“A site of this size comes with the expectation that utility partners will be able to provide the necessary infrastructure and energy to power large customers,” said Laura Landreaux, president and CEO of Entergy Arkansas. “This is one important reason we are advocating for the Generating Arkansas Jobs Act of 2025 to ensure that we are prepared to provide all of Arkansas with the power they need to attract high-paying jobs and great employers. That is why we appreciate the Governor for supporting the Generating Arkansas Jobs Act and the General Assembly for considering the policy necessary to attract these jobs and investments in our state.”
The Select Site initiative helps communities better prepare their sites as winning candidates for high-tech, manufacturing and distribution projects with a thorough audit of the site’s readiness for new or expanding business. Through the Select Site program and the Arkansas Site Selection Center, Entergy Arkansas is helping to meet those needs. Other Select Site properties are located in Jefferson County, Magnolia, Newport, Osceola, Russellville, West Memphis, and Wynne.
Recently announced projects in the state that have begun operations or are under construction on former Select Sites include an Amazon Fulfillment Center in Little Rock, Owens Corning in Russellville and the Tractor Supply Co. distribution center in Maumelle.
Visit www.ArkansasSiteSelection.com for details on each Entergy Arkansas Select Site, including the latest Little Rock Port Megasite.
About Entergy Arkansas
Entergy Arkansas, LLC provides electricity to approximately 730,000 customers in 63 counties. Entergy Arkansas is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation, a Fortune 500 electric company. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. For the latest news from Entergy Arkansas, visit the Newsroom and connect with @EntergyArk on social media.
About the Little Rock Regional Chamber
The Little Rock Regional Chamber is the principal business-driven leadership organization responsible for fostering the economic growth and development of the Little Rock region to ensure that business and industry may operate profitably and enhance the earning opportunities and quality of life for every citizen.
Media inquiries:
Heather Kendrick
501-377-3824 (office)
501-733-8239 (cell)
hkendr1@entergy.com
Jack Thomas
Vice President, Economic Development (LRRC)
501-377-6007
jthomas@littlerockchamber.com
