Arkansas lawmakers proposed a transfer of up to $300 million into an economic development incentive fund Thursday for a manufacturing “super project” employing thousands of workers that officials hope to attract to West Memphis.
The proposal to tap state surplus funds to offer economic incentives and address road infrastructure needs related to the project was part of a measure detailing the state’s $6.7 billion budget that a legislative panel gave initial approval to as lawmakers near the end of this year’s session.
Lawmakers who spoke with the Arkansas Advocate offered few details about the company behind the project or what it would entail, but House Speaker Brian Evans, a Republican from Cabot, said several states are in the running to land the deal…