HOT SPRINGS -- Becky Keogh, director of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, said Thursday that the agency is working closely with the city on the cleanup of the Majestic Hotel "yellow brick" building rubble.
"We have accepted an application from the city to be part of the state's brownfield program, which seeks to redevelop properties and put them back in use. So we're hoping that will be a positive [outcome] of this joint working relationship with the city of Hot Springs," she said after addressing the 48th annual Arkansas Environmental Federation Convention and Trade Show in the Hot Springs Convention Center.
Keogh, who was appointed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson in February, said there has been some activity by the department to perform an environmental assessment of the property and that there are opportunities for the city to pursue other grants at the federal level as part of the brownfield program.
"Arkansas has a joint cooperation agreement with the federal Environmental Protection Agency and that opens the door, or at least provides access, to apply for grants that might be suitable for that type redevelopment plan. We'll encourage the EPA to consider any application the city makes in respect to that," she said.
As for the remaining hotel structures, Keogh said the environmental agency and the city are "looking at the project holistically to see what is the best use for the buildings and property."
"That will require some additional effort on assessments, but I'm not sure of the exact details of the plan. But, our commitment to the city is to help them through the entire process," she said.
She also said environmental agency staff members and the city have talked about reusing or recycling some of the material from the "yellow brick" portion of the complex.
"That's been one of our conversations to encourage the city to consider ways that material can be reused. A historic structure like that has appeal, and perhaps fond memories, to people who stayed there or were associated with it. So instead of just disposing of it, we encourage finding a reuse for it, or a place that is appropriate for its reuse," she said.
Addressing the Arkansas Environmental Federation members, Keogh said she is making some organizational changes in the state agency in response for a call to streamline the agency's management, and the new team will focus on three key areas -- air, land and water.
"I anticipate these changes will lead to more opportunities to seek multiple internal efficiencies, including reduced management, levels of review, consolidated resource savings and increased interdivisional cooperation. It is designed to bring clarity to the organization, align resources to the team mission and focus our results," Keogh said.
Implementation of the restructuring will result in increased efficiency, accountability, transparency, effective communications and streamlining processes, she said.
"It is my mission to continue these improvements we have started to make. I will be directing more of our programs while relying on key, top-notch division professionals," she said. "I believe this combination of rookie enthusiasm, as we bring in new talent and the vision of our veteran leadership, will be the precise balance we want to replicate across ADEQ."
She also said it is no longer sufficient to be satisfied with a status quo performance as the state tries to attract the best economic opportunities for its residents. Keogh added that the state's natural beauty is important to its tourism industry as well as attracting a new generation of professionals and talented people.
"It is important to compete in our global and cultural markets," she said.
State Desk on 10/02/2015