The board of the Little Rock Port Authority today adopted what it called its first comprehensive strategic growth plan, devised by Boyette Strategic Advisors.

The 10-year plan will target advanced food prodeucts, chemical manufacturing, machinery manufacturing and primary metals as industries that could be enticed to locate at the port. The plan also recommends that the port Become a recognized leader in land use, planning, infrastructure management and real estate development; have a strategic market focus on companies that utilize port assets; increase programs to support existing and new businesses, promote the Port of Little Rock with an aggressive marketing and communications strategy and enhance organizational capabilities and resources.”

Coincidentally, speaking of land use, the Authority is at work on a memorandum of understanding with the Quapaw Tribe over 160 acres of agricultural land the tribe recently purchased near the port. That purchase has led to expressions of concern from variety of public officials, including at the port, that the tribe might develop a casino there such as it has in Oklahoma. The port says this wouldn’t be compatible with industrial uses nearby and could affect growth plans. The tribe says it has no plans for a casino, but wants the land placed in federal trust, a category that would give it autonomy over the property. The memorandum would stipulate a spirit of cooperation on both sides on future development. In its current draft form, it would also stipulate that the port would remain neutral on the trust application. It is a work in progress and is to be discussed at future meetings.

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PS: Also coincidentally, KARK is reporting tonight on the money that flows from Indian casinos in Oklahoma.

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