Pulaski County Offices Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
Pulaski County Offices are CLOSED Thursday 11/28 and Friday 11/29. Trash routes will not run Thursday 11/28. Routes will resume on Friday and run one date late Friday and Saturday.
Happy Veterans Day
Pulaski County Government offices will be closed Monday (11/11) in observance of Veterans Day.
Trash routes will run on schedule.
Living in Harmony: Grant Funding Aims to Improve Two Rivers Park for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Two Rivers Park rendering. Click the image to enlarge.
Pulaski County, Ark. – Pulaski County received a $330,000 grant from the Arkansas Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program for trail improvements in Two Rivers Park. Terms of the grant also require a 20 percent investment from the county totaling approximately $83,000.
“We’ve been working with members of the biking community, organized cycling clubs and representatives of both city and county to put forth ideas to increase cycling safety along the Arkansas River Trail and its connections,” County Judge Barry Hyde said. “By separating cyclists and pedestrians there will be less possibility for conflicts or accidents.”
The $400,000 project includes an alternative trail, or spur, designed to direct more experienced cyclists, who ride at higher speeds, away from pedestrians and runners. The clearly signed, 16-foot-path includes a dashed center line to signify travel in both directions for more experienced riders.
The second element of the project features a traffic-calming circle constructed just south of the new spur to reduce on-path gathering. A bike rack and fix-it station will be located near the restroom while benches, water fountain and the kiosk will be relocated next to the pedestrian circle.
“This is just one of many projects in Two Rivers Park; there are more improvements and additions to come,” Hyde said. “It’s my goal that Two Rivers Park is welcoming and safe for all who wish to visit.”
Media Contact:
Cozetta Jones
501-541-4119
cjones@pulaskicounty.net
Pulaski County Expands Green Initiatives to Maximize Savings and Conserve Energy
Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde announced two environmental initiatives designed to improve the quality of life in Pulaski County, by protecting public safety and reducing energy costs. The two initiatives are a Pulaski County road and bridge test project using tire rubber-modified asphalt on 1.2 miles of Lawson Road in west Pulaski County, and a 20-year agreement with Today’s Power, Inc. (TPI) to develop and install an array of solar panels located at the Little Rock Port Industrial Park and Pulaski County Justice Complex to generate cost-saving electricity for the county for 20 years.
Tire Rubber-Modified Asphalt
Tire rubber-modified asphalt products are produced by Wright Asphalt Products of Houston, Texas. The tire-rubber-modified asphalt test will determine the use of recycled tires as a component of asphalt paving and maintaining. The contractor for the test project is Cranford Construction of Little Rock. The Lawson Road test project was completed in September and will be evaluated each year to compare wear-and-tear in comparison to traditional asphalt.
“Pulaski County is undertaking this test project as an environmentally responsible way to keep our roads safe and smooth,” said Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde. “Waste tires are a major environmental concern. Anything we can do to lessen this concern while providing a new market for recycled tires, while at the same time effectively maintain our county roads and bridges, is common sense. And, it’s the right thing to do.”
“Wright Asphalt and Delek Asphalt was pleased to provide the product used in Pulaski County’s test project, Southeast Regional Sales Manager Dan Quire said. “We provided Pulaski County with a performance-based tire rubber modified asphalt binder that not only helps improve the longevity of the road, but also is an environmentally friendly way to dispose of unwanted used car tires. We look forward to working with the county on future projects.”
Solar-Generated Electricity
Pulaski County has selected Today’s Power, Inc. (TPI) to provide approximately 8 megawatts (MW) of solar-produced power for county use. The TPI sun-tracking solar array will occupy approximately 40 acres at the Little Rock Port Authority Industrial Park and 12 acres at the Pulaski County Justice Complex. TPI will finance, operate and own 100 percent of the solar array. The county will purchase electricity generated by the array at 4.9 cents per kilowatt hour for the duration of the 20-year agreement.
The project is expected to generate between 80 and 100 percent of the county’s current electric demand. The expected savings to the county is approximately $150,000 in the first year.
“We here in the South know full well the power of the sun,” Hyde said. “When used to generate electricity, solar power is the most reliable, renewable, and affordable energy source there is. And, using an array of solar panels will not only reduce the use of fossil fuels to generate electricity, it will save money.”
The solar project is made possible through Act 464 of 2019, passed by the Arkansas General Assembly, which allows governmental entities to net-meter renewable energy purchased from a private producer. This arrangement reduces costs, in part by preserving federal tax incentives available for investments in power-producing solar facilities.
“We are so honored to partner with Pulaski County and the Little Rock Port Authority to add clean renewable solar energy to power their operations,” TPI President Michael Henderson said. “This project reflects the great vision and a true desire to modernize the image of Pulaski County and the Little Rock Port Authority by taking a giant step in sustainability.” “We hope this renewable resource provides economic stimulus that will provide long-term benefit to Pulaski County and central Arkansas for many years to come.”
About Wright Asphalt
Called the TRMAC™ system, tire rubber-modified asphalt is manufactured within Wright’s terminal facility environment, which provides the ability to control the quality of the entire process and certify the product. Wright’s laboratory facilities provide the structure to continually test, quality control and certify the product, which assures excellent consistency in processing and in the final application of the products manufactured.
Tire rubber-modified asphalt adds greater adhesive strengths to roads and aggregate surfaces, maintaining a tough bond and cohesive strength over time. Products created with Wright’s TRMAC™ process exhibit excellent resistance to high-temperature rutting and aging, while still maintaining cold temperature flexibility.
Wright Asphalt has incorporated nearly 80,000 tons of recycled tire rubber in pavement maintenance and hot-mix applications.
Lion Oil Company was founded in El Dorado, Arkansas, in 1922. In addition to a full line of petroleum products, Lion produces specialty asphalt products for highway contractors, emulsion manufacturers, roofing plants, and wood treatment operations, as well as state, county, and municipal government agencies.
For more information: Dan Quire – Southeast Regional Sales Manager – Wright Asphalt 615-290-3600 dquire@wrightasphalt.com
About Today’s Power
Today’s Power, Inc. (TPI) was formed in November 2014 by Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI) to serve Arkansas’ electric cooperatives who had a desire to provide behind-the-meter, energy related products and services.
TPI is now an integral part of helping the electric cooperative and public power sector serve customers who are interested in solar and emerging technologies as well as municipalities, school districts and commercial businesses of all sizes.
TPI’s unique approach to in-depth analysis of utility rates and billing allows it to design renewable energy systems and manage that energy to maximize the benefits of solar and storage for a not-for-profit as well as for-profit entities.
Offering customized renewable energy systems TPI has:
- Completed the largest solar array on municipal land in Arkansas.
- Completed ground on first battery energy storage system in the Mid-South.
- Dedicated first solar project under Arkansas Act 464.
- Since 2015, TPI has dedicated over 20 utility-scale and commercial solar projects in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.
- In 2019, dedicated five solar projects for electric cooperatives in Hamburg, Brookland, Forrest City, Salem, and Newport.
- Additional solar projects to be placed in service soon in Ouachita County, Clark County, Texarkana, Mena, Clay County, Star City and Paris, as well as many retail loads to follow.
- Created 14 acres of habitats for stressed species like quail and monarch butterflies
- TPI has ensured that electric consumers will save more than $2.5 million annually because of solar projects installed or committed.
For more information: Jennah Denney – Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator – Today’s Power, Inc. 501-400-5548 or jdenney@todayspower.com
Lights, Camera: A Call to Action! PCYS hosts the Annual Champions of Youth Luncheon October 29
Pulaski County Youth Services will host the 2019 Champions of Youth Luncheon, Tuesday, October 29 at 11:30 a.m. at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion located at 1800 Center St., Little Rock, AR 72206.
This year’s award recipients are
- Visionary Award honoree, Arkansas Advocates for Youth and Families;
- Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, Greater Little Rock Delta Sigma Theta Alumni Chapter;
- Pulaski County Youth Services Partner in Education honoree,Pulaski County Special School District;
- Director’s Choice Award, Broadway Joe;
- and the PCYS Champion of the Year Award honoree, Ned Perme.
This year’s theme is “Lights, Camera: A Call to Action. PCYS is issuing a “call” to be more involved in the lives of Pulaski County youth.
Proceeds from the luncheon benefit the after-school, out-of-school and community programs provided by Pulaski County Youth Services, free-of-charge in underserved communities.
Donations to Youth Services are tax-deductible and benefit programs focused on improving academic performance while keeping kids off the street and out of trouble. Table sponsorships start at $500. Get your tickets here.
All Youth Services’ programs are free-of-charge; helping hardworking Pulaski County families save an average of $5,000 a year on childcare. Annually, thousands of young people improve test scores, increase financial literacy, develop job skills, and build self-esteem in more than twenty Youth Services programs.
Visit the Pulaski County Youth Services website for more information on programs.
More Facts about Pulaski County Youth Services
- Pulaski County Youth Services Suits for Youth is a program for young men ages 11-19. Suits are donated and provided to young men, preparing them for job interviews, scholarship interviews and even worship services.
- Pulaski County Youth Services’ Ready, Set, School Pre-School Readiness Program is provided in partnership with Pulaski County Special School District and serves Harris, Cato, Daisy Bates and Oak Grove Elementary Schools.
- Pulaski County Youth Services’ Shoe into Success program provided 90 pairs of shoes to elementary students of four schools in 2018. The Program addresses and promotes complete wellness.
- The PCYS provided ACT Prep to 386 youth in 2018. Many students increased scores, making them eligible for scholarships and reduced chance of remedial courses.
- More than 1,000 youth were served during PCYS’ Annual Back Drive in 2018
Connecting Veterans to Services: Pulaski County to Host Benefits Fair
Pulaski County in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs, will host a free Veterans Benefits Fair, Saturday, October 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at UA-Little Rock, College of Business Atrium.
Vendors will share information, answer questions regarding healthcare needs and perform wellness checks. Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System and Department of Veterans Affairs will assist veterans in signing up for benefits and making claims. Veterans are asked to bring their DD214. Spouses are also encouraged to attend.
“These events allow the community to focus on the importance of providing services to people who have devoted a part of their lives in service to our country,” said Pulaski County Veterans Services Officer, Albert Harkins. “It also shows younger people how the public views veterans and puts a spotlight on military careers.”
Arkansas is home to more than 225,000 Veterans with 30,934 in Pulaski County. The estimated total Arkansas economic impact is $4.5 billion to $5 billion, making them, if they were an industry, the fourth largest in the state.
For more information about the benefits fair or veterans’ services, call Albert Harkins at 501-340-6157.
Driving Economic Growth: County Receives EDA Grant Funding to Improve Critical Road in Little Rock Port
Zeuber Road
Pulaski County, Ark. – Pulaski County Government announced today that it received a $2 million grant from the Department of Commerce, U.S. Economic Development Administration to make infrastructure improvements to Zeuber Road in support of future industrial development in Pulaski County.
The EDA grant will be matched with funds from Pulaski County and the City of Little Rock totaling $1 million. The Office of Governor Asa Hutchinson is also making a substantial contribution of $2 million.
“The importance of economic development in Pulaski County cannot be stressed enough,” said County Judge Barry Hyde. “Many thanks to the Department of Commerce for the investment and support in Pulaski County’s infrastructure improvements. The Little Rock Port is our most valuable asset in bringing domestic and international manufacturing corporations, heavy industry, and jobs, to the Central Arkansas region.”
“I’m pleased the Department of Commerce recognizes the potential economic impact the Zeuber Road project holds for the Port of Little Rock, the city, Pulaski County and the region,” U.S. Senator John Boozman said. This investment will help support future growth and improve safety by upgrading the roadway to meet the standards necessary for increased usage and access. It will also create jobs and enable future economic development. I thank Secretary Ross and the EDA for supplying this critical funding.”
The $5 million project is expected to grow the U.S. exports and increase foreign direct investment in addition to enhancing the commuting area in Little Rock Port Authority, Industrial Park. Once completed, this investment will expand the transportation network that serves vital industries, which will strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs. The anticipated outcome is more than 300 jobs and $60 million in private investment leveraged.
Media Contact:
Cozetta Jones
501-541-4119
cjones@pulaskicounty.net
Pulaski County Offices Closed for Labor Day
Pulaski County offices will be closed on Monday for the Labor Day Holiday. All trash pick-up routes will be a day behind. Be safe this holiday weekend.
County Judge and Quorum Court Member appointed to National Association of Counties Subcommittees
County Judge Barry Hyde and Justice of the Peace Paul Elliott have been appointed to subcommittees the National Association of Counties’ Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee. Hyde was appointed to serve on the Juvenile Justice Subcommittee for a one-year term. Elliott was appointed to the law enforcement subcommittee to also serve a one-year term. Both were nominated by the Arkansas Association of Counties and NACo’s President Greg Cox.
NACo’s Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee has jurisdiction over matters pertaining to the judicial system and public safety. For justice, the committee focuses on policy impacting juvenile justice and delinquency, substance abuse, mental health, and other issues that impact county judicial systems.
For public safety, the committee’s focus includes policy related to comprehensive emergency management, first responders (Fire, Police, EMS), Homeland Security, and more.
As members of the Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee, Hyde and Elliott will have the opportunity to introduce policy resolutions and platform changes before both the Legislative and Annual Conferences.
Learn more about the National Association of Counties at http://www.naco.org/what-we-do/about-naco.
County receives grant to extend housing and clinical services to persons living with HIV and AIDS
Pulaski County Community Services received a $383,000 Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) grant from the City of Little Rock Department of Housing and Neighborhood Programs. HOPWA is a federally funded grant through the Office of HIV/AIDS Housing (OHH) in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Pulaski County will administer the grant and provide housing services to low-income individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Community Health Centers of Arkansas (CHCA) is the partner organization that will provide office space and access to health clinics for a grant administrator.
To qualify for the HOPWA program, an individual must be receiving healthcare and maintain adherence to medical provider requirements. If an individual seeking housing assistance is not receiving healthcare, CHCA will assist in finding a connection with a qualified provider.
“We want to ensure that Pulaski County citizens living with HIV/AIDS have a stable environment that supports their needs,” said Pulaski County Community Services Director, Fred Love. “A stable home supports their overall health outcomes and improves the likelihood clients will be compliant with taking their medications.”
According to the Arkansas Department of Health’s 2017 HIV Surveillance Report, there were approximately 61 new AIDS cases and 102 new HIV cases in Pulaski County. Of the county population, the stage 3 AIDS prevalence was 902. The HIV prevalence was 1,264.
The cost of health care and medications, coupled with the risk of housing discrimination makes individuals living with HIV/AIDS more likely to become homeless. According to the National Coalitional for the Homeless, up to 50 percent of persons living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. are at risk of becoming homeless.
“We’re excited to be partnering with the county on such a worthy endeavor,” said LaShannon Spencer, chief executive officer of Community Health Centers of Arkansas. “People with AIDS/HIV provide value to our community, and CHCA wants to do our part to meet their needs.”
The three major programs that Pulaski County Government will administer through the HOPWA grant are Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA); Short Term Rent, Mortgage and Utility Assistance (STRMU); and Permanent Housing Placement Services. These services will be extended until funds are exhausted.
For more information, call Pulaski County Community Services at 501-340-6157 or Community Health Centers of Arkansas at 501-374-2148 or visit www.chc-ar.org.
Media Contact
Cozetta Jones
Pulaski County Government
Communications Director
cjones@pulaskicounty.net