GTL Americas hires contractor for $3.5 billion industrial project near Pine Bluff

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

A company that intends to produce 1.7 million gallons of environmentally-friendlier motor fuel has selected a contractor to build a massive facility 13 miles north of Pine Bluff in Jefferson County. GTL Americas (GTLA) has entered into an agreement with Hyundai ENG America, Inc. (Hyundai), to start work on the design and construction of the facility which will sit on an 1,800-acre swath.

Construction on the project could begin within 18 months and the four-phase project could be completed sometime in 2029. The original price of the facility, which will employ 225 workers, was $3.5 billion, making it the largest industrial project in Arkansas’ history. Company officials believe the cost could grow in the coming years.

“Our vision is to create a center for excellence for GTL and, in turn, a sustainable economic driver for the state,” said Leon Codron, GTLA president. “This facility will make Arkansas our nation’s leading producer of ultra-clean, high-grade diesel, naphtha and, ultimately, jet fuel.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/09/gtl-americas-hires-contractor-for-3-5-billion-industrial-project-near-pine-bluff/

Governor Hutchinson Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Memory of Officer Kevin Collins

LITTLE ROCK  – Governor Asa Hutchinson has ordered the United States flag and the flag of the State of Arkansas to be lowered to half-staff in tribute to the memory of Officer Kevin Collins of the Pine Bluff Police Department, who was killed in the line of duty on Monday, October 5, 2020. The flag shall be lowered immediately and remain at half-staff to the day of interment. 

The full proclamation can be found HERE.

Governor Hutchinson released a statement on the passing of Officer Collins:

“I was deeply saddened to learn that Officer Kevin Collins was shot and killed in the line of duty yesterday. Officer Collins spent his 5-year career at the Pine Bluff Police Department protecting and serving his community. He selflessly put his life on the line each day in the violent crimes unit and paid the ultimate price for the safety of others. We are forever grateful for his service and the dedication of our entire law enforcement community. Our prayers remain with Officer Collins’ family, the Pine Bluff Police Department, and for the full recovery of Lt. Ralph Isaac.”