No recent progress on dissolution of Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority

by Tina Alvey Dale (tdale@talkbusiness.net)

Four months after Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority (FCRA) officials and its beneficiaries agreed on steps to be taken before work on dissolution of the trust can begin, nothing has been accomplished.

The FCRA was formed in 1997 to oversee redevelopment of 6,000 acres of land released by the U.S. Army from Fort Chaffee as part of a Base Realignment and Closure downsizing. The trust has four beneficiaries – the cities of Barling, Fort Smith and Greenwood and Sebastian County. The cities of Barling, Fort Smith and Greenwood and the Sebastian County Quorum Court have passed resolutions calling for FCRA dissolution. Only the authority board can vote to dissolve the organization.

Representatives of the four beneficiaries and FCRA representatives planned to meet Tuesday (Oct. 15) to look at a projection of property for sale and estimated revenues and expenses for the next four years, but not all representatives could attend, said Barling Mayor Greg Murray. The involved parties are hoping to meet in November, he said.

No recent progress on dissolution of Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority

Boozman, Womack Welcome Army Chief of Staff to Fort Chaffee

Fort Smith, AR – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) and Congressman Steve Womack (R-AR-03) welcomed Gen. Randy George, U.S. Army Chief of Staff, to Arkansas to highlight the training capabilities and capacity found at Fort Chaffee that significantly enhance the Army’s mission readiness.

“Arkansas has always been a proud supporter of our military. We know the critical role Fort Chaffee plays in our nation’s defense and we’re continuing to ensure it is one of the best places in the country for servicemembers to train. I’m pleased General George understands the need to maintain such a valuable asset and appreciated the opportunity to see its unique strengths on full display,” Boozman said. 

“Fort Chaffee is a top-tier training location with many unique capabilities that distinguish it as a premier Guard installation. It was an honor to show what Fort Chaffee has to offer to General George, who personally understands the important role Arkansas’s Third plays in our national security and strengthening our military forces,” Womack said.

“The Joint Maneuver Training Center at Fort Chaffee is a vital component to the readiness of the Total Army, and allows our National Guard units to focus on their warfighting mission. I am proud of the Arkansas National Guard and grateful for the continued support of the Arkansas community and delegation,” said Gen. George. 

Fort Chaffee recently earned Level 1 classification from the Department of Defense as one of five top National Guard training sites nationwide.

Boozman and Womack have been longtime advocates of investing in the training site, having successfully secured funding for improvements to Razorback Range, a new National Guard Readiness Center and a range expansion to enhance simulation exercises.

Senator Boozman, Congressman Womack and General George visited with Arkansas National Guard members at Fort Chaffee on Monday, January 8.

Reaper to Conduct First Flight from Fort Smith as Part of 188th Exercise

by Tina Alvey Dale (tdale@talkbusiness.net)

The remotely piloted aircraft used by the 188th Wing is for the first time being launched from the Fort Smith Regional Airport as part of the exercise Establish Fury designed to exhibit the 188th’s access to military airspace, especially the Razorback Range at Fort Chaffee.

The exercises, being held through July 14, will welcome the MQ-9 Reaper aircraft based at Houston’s 147th Attack Wing and other Air National Guard forces, a press release said.

The MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft will launch from the Fort Smith Regional Airport for training flights over Razorback Range at Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center near Charleston. The close proximity from launch location to training area provides more time for training rather than transport, which is the norm for other locations, said Capt. Dylan Hollums, 188th public affairs officer.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/06/reaper-to-conduct-first-flight-from-fort-smith-as-part-of-188th-exercise/

The MQ-9 Reaper arrives at the Fort Smith Regional Airport as part of a 188th Wing exercise.

Historic Fort Chaffee Army Barracks to Become Residential, Retail Quarters

By JACQUELINE FROELICH

Plans to renovate more than 20 historic barracks and buildings, originally constructed in 1941 as part of Camp Chaffee, a U.S. Army base east of Fort Smith, will soon be transformed into contemporary living and commercial quarters, recently approved by the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/historic-fort-chaffee-army-barracks-become-residential-retail-quarters

An aerial view of Chaffee Crossing Historic District.

COURTESY / FORT CHAFFEE REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Camp Chaffee U.S. Army training base circa 1940s.

COURTESY / FORT CHAFFEE REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY