News-Sentinel.com

Thursday, 03/18/1999

NAFTA

I-69 would encourage increased expansion

By WILL HOLFORD of Southwest Texas State University

MONTICELLO, Ark. —Monticello is looking to the future. And the future looks good.

The southeast Arkansas town of 10,000 expects more businesses to move in if Interstate 69 passes nearby. That would create jobs.

"I am excited about it," Reginald Glover said. "It will make a big difference in what we are able to do for people in the area of employment. We are limited in what we can do without a four-lane highway."

Glover is a member of the Arkansas Good Roads Committee and has worked with the Arkansas Highway Department to improve transportation for the area.

Mayor Harold West predicts I-69 will have a profound effect on Monticello.

"The highway coming through here will affect southern Arkansas probably more than any other state," West said.

West says the highway has widespread support in his city. "I bet you couldn't find two people against it," West said.

Certainly most of the local business leaders are lining up in support of the highway and what it could mean for their businesses.

Tommy Maxwell, president of Maxwell Hardwood Flooring, says that the construction of I-69 will speed delivery of his product. Maxwell said trucking is essential to his business. About 75 percent of Maxwell's product is shipped.

Monticello has seen its share of growth even without I-69. Regina Hall, executive director of the Monticello Economic Development Corp., points out several businesses that have opened in the last year. They include a shopping center with 21 storefronts, several restaurants and a Holiday Inn Express.

The consensus in Monticello is that the community will experience continued growth in the years ahead. I-69 will only enhance that growth.