The University of Arkansas Cossatot announces its intention to hire a Coordinator of Intermodal Design and Economic Development for Little River County.

Once in place, this person will initiate, develop, and support economic development activities in Little River County, with specific importance placed on developing the Intermodal Project in Little River County. This includes site development, researching legislative opportunities, bond issues, housing development, and other economic development activities. The position is posted at www.cccua.edu/jobs and has a tentative start date of April 8, 2018.

According to UA Cossatot Chancellor Steve Cole, “The first major project for this person will be to help complete the Intermodal Authority project, which is already underway but needs that final push to get it across the finish line. This person will have the drive and energy to finish the intermodal project and move the county culture to one that allows businesses and industries that are already here and those who locate here to prosper.”

What is intermodal shipping?  Intermodal shipping relies on at least two forms of product transportation. A common intermodal shipping scenario would have product loaded onto a sealed shipping container, carried by truck to rail, and then from rail to ship. This method would allow a product to be loaded into the container one time, thus reducing the amount of handling of the product. Often times, intermodal facilities save industry millions of dollars in shipping due to decreased shipping times and less damage to handled goods.

While the new coordinator will be housed on the UA Cossatot campus in Ashdown, their work will be countywide. Among qualifications for the position is the ability to understand and develop intermodal projects. The coordinator must also live in Little River County.

“We have already piloted an effort similar to this In Sevier County, and based on the early success of that effort, we thought this would be a perfect fit to finish the Intermodal Design project and then follow up by being the overall coordinator of economic development in Little River County,” said Cole.

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) endorses this project and has offered their expertise and insight to ensure its success. The criteria and application process for this position is posted at www.cccua.ed/jobs.