Community leaders met Friday at the Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce to discuss a draft study examining the feasibility of designating eastern Arkansas as a national historic area.
The initiative aims to unite communities, organizations, and institutions across the region to preserve key historic and cultural sites, promote heritage tourism, and strengthen the Delta’s economy and identity.
Adam Long, executive director of Arkansas State University Heritage Sites, encouraged public participation in the process, noting that the feasibility study draft is currently open for public response until December 11.
“So, the feasibility study draft is now in a period of public response, so it will be out there until December the 11th,” Long said.
If approved, the effort could take up to three years to complete. Long noted that the timeline for congressional legislation would depend on broader legislative priorities.
The feasibility study draft is available on the Arkansas State University Heritage Sites website, where residents can review it and submit comments on whether the proposed designation should move forward.