Cultural resource study planned to entice new industrial prospect

Survey could put West Memphis in running for new business

news@theeveningtimes.com West Memphis City Council cast a lure toward a new industrial prospect to come to West Memphis.

City aldermen approved a cultural resources survey for a 500 acre industrial site so the city could remain a contender for a prospect eyeing a location along the planned South Loop extension.

Economic Development Director Phillip Sorrell explained the need for the study to city council during its last regular meeting of September.

“This an environmental study proposal from Terracon to conduct a cultural resource study on an industrial site the city markets inside the south part of the city,” said Sorrell. “It’s a necessary piece to adequately market the site for industrial prospects. We’ve been working with this site for months and the site consultant has requested us to do to this to move forward and remain in contention for this project.”

Cultural studies have emerged as a normal practice of due diligence. Some industrial construction projects have been forced into costly stand stills when artifacts were uncovered during excavation and

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groundwork. The survey and study represent a look before you buy to industrial prospects.

The survey cost $18,400 and included background research, field investigations and a report of the technical conclusions.

Research starts with historic records of the site from the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, and an examination of records with the state’s Archaeological Survey.

Terracon will research maps of the site over the last two centuries. The study includes the history of channel migration of the river. Finally 100 shovels tests, one for every five acres in the site will dig into areas most with the highest potential for artifacts.

Sorrell said the study represented a good investment for the city.

“Whether we win this project or not, it is money well spent because every project we work now requires a little higher level of clearance,” said Sorrell. “This is basically an investigation of the site regarding any historical artifacts that may or may not be present on the site.”