Economic Benefits

A recent market study by the University of Arkansas estimates the proposed project will add 187.8 jobs to the local economy. The addition of restaurants and retail outlets will follow to accommodate the influx of out-of-area visitors increasing jobs.

Planned Improvements

    • Interim access road with safety gate across UP Railroad tracks to boat mooring facility for accommodation of service vehicles and handicap access.
    • Boat mooring facility and boardwalk over water’s edge from depot area west 160′ toward river bridge
    • Elevated pedestrian railroad crossing tower with elevator west of Old Franklin County Jail allowing boaters/visitors safe access across AP tracks
  • 100 boat slip marina to accommodate large pleasure craft as well as smaller recreational boats accessibility to river as well as vehicular traffic

The Main Street Ozark office is located at 300 W. Commercial, downtown Ozark.

Executive Director: Sandy Key
(479) 667-5337

Riverfront Accomplishments To-Date:

    • Architectural lighting of the Arkansas River Bridge
    • Renovation of the Ozark Depot into Ozark History Museum
    • Successfully lobbied US Post office to locate new facility in riverfront are, resulting in clean up of blighted riverfront and increased traffic to the area
    • Constructed new sidewalks, period street lights, and lanscaping to development area
    • Obtained grant from Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism to conduct market study for riverfront development
    • Favorable market analysis from U of A Study
    • Positive Environmental Assessment conducted
    • Acquired three commercial properties in the riverfront development area
    • Acquired $200,000 GIF Grant from AEDC and $319,000 from City of Ozark to begin work on access road and boat mooring facility
    • Received Letter of Intent from private investor willing and able to expend necessary funds to build 100 boat slips with gas and convenience store on either side of the Arkansas River, contingent upon obtaining access to downtown from the river
    • Received letter from AHTD Chief Engineer Scott Bennett advising UP Railroad to work with the City of Ozark for the installation of a pedestrian crossing to allow access to the river.
  • Received letters of support from the offices of US Senator Blanche Lincoln, US Senator Mark Pryor, US Congressman John Boozman, State Senator Ruth Whitaker, State Representative Beverly Pyle, Franklin County, the City of Ozark, Ozark schools, ATU Ozark campus, many local businesses and civic organization as well as the local citizenry.