Heritage Sites Hosts Third Round of Public Meetings on Proposed Arkansas NHA

JONESBORO, AR — Arkansas State University's Heritage Sites office invites residents, community leaders and other interested individuals to participate in a third round of public meetings concerning the proposed Arkansas Delta National Heritage Area (NHA).

The meetings, scheduled for Wednesday through Friday, Nov. 4 – 6, will present the findings and recommendations of the draft feasibility study and provide opportunities for public discussion and comment before the study is finalized. 

The meetings will be held at the following locations: 

1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4, in the Delta Eagle Room in Helena. 
Noon on Thursday, Nov. 5, at The ARTSpace on Main in Pine Bluff. 
11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, at the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce. 
All three meetings will present the same information. Participants are welcome to attend whichever meeting is most convenient. 

The feasibility study examines the potential for establishing a National Heritage Area encompassing 17 counties in eastern Arkansas. 

"Arkansas State University Heritage Sites has maintained a strong commitment to involving the public throughout this process," said Dr. Adam Long, executive director of the A-State Heritage Sites. 

"The knowledge and perspectives shared by people across the Delta have helped shape the study. As we approach its completion, we want to give communities another opportunity to review the findings, discuss the recommendations, and help ensure that the final study reflects the region's heritage and aspirations." 

National Heritage Areas are congressionally designated regions where natural, historic and cultural resources combine to tell nationally significant stories. They are locally managed through partnerships that support historic preservation, conservation, education, heritage tourism and community and economic development. 

The draft study brings together historical research, an inventory of significant heritage resources, and input gathered through site visits, stakeholder interviews, surveys, and two previous rounds of public meetings. It evaluates the region's national significance, identifies the stories and resources that connect communities across the Delta, and presents recommendations concerning the proposed boundary, organizational structure, and management of a potential National Heritage Area. 

Public involvement has been central to the planning process from the outset. The first round of meetings introduced the NHA concept and invited participants to identify the stories, places and resources that distinguish the Arkansas Delta. The second round presented developing findings and gathered additional input on regional priorities and opportunities. 

The feasibility study is being conducted by Point Heritage Development Consulting on behalf of the A-State Heritage Sites, with funding from the Delta Regional Authority. Following completion, the study will be submitted for consideration by the National Park Service and Congress. Only Congress has the authority to designate a National Heritage Area. 

The meetings are free and open to the public. No prior participation in the process is necessary. 

For more information, one may contact Long at the A-State Heritage Sites via phone at 870-972-2803 or by email at adamlong@AState.edu.