The Pulaski County Quorum Court preliminarily approved Tuesday night allowing County Judge Buddy Villines to apply for an Arkansas Economic Development Commission grant for a chemical manufacturer in south Pulaski County.
Porocel Corp., an international chemical manufacturer, plans to expand its Arch Street location, evenly splitting $4.5 million between facilities construction and equipment.
The expansion will create 25 full-time jobs during the course of three years, paying an average hourly wage of $24.04.
According to an October incentives proposal from the commission, it’s willing to contribute $250,000 to the expansion.
The money is contingent on the fulfillment of promised jobs, wages and investment occurring within 48 months of signing the grant agreement.Additionally, at least 51 percent of the new jobs must be “made available” to those with low to moderate incomes.
Company representatives will present their proposal to the Quorum Court at its March 25 full meeting in which justices of the peace will decide whether to approve the grant application.
Justices of the peace voted 10-0 to move the matter to the March 25 meeting, with five justices of the peace absent.
Because of the company’s location, the Quorum Court must approve the grant application.
Along with the application, the Quorum Court will decide whether to appoint an environmental compliance liaison between the commission and the company and whether to authorize the Central Arkansas Planning and Development District as the project’s grant administrator.
Arkansas, Pages 11 on 03/12/2014