The Benton County Quorum Court approved a resolution expressing strong support for poultry producers in the Illinois River Watershed and urging a return to good-faith, science-based negotiations to address ongoing environmental concerns. Benton County is one of Arkansas’s largest poultry-producing counties, with the industry supporting thousands of jobs locally. The Quorum Court emphasized that decades of continued litigation have created unnecessary uncertainty for farm families and rural communities and that collaborative, science-driven solutions offer the most productive path forward. Poultry farmers and industry partners have made significant investments in conservation practices and modern best management practices to protect water quality These efforts have resulted in substantial declines in phosphorus concentrations in the Illinois River, approaching levels recommended in the 2016 Joint Study Committee and Scientific Professionals final report. “This resolution makes clear that Benton County stands with its farmers,” said Benton County Judge Barry Moehring. “We believe collaboration, not...
Read more about this updateVeterans and their dependents can contact the Benton County Veteran Services Office for help navigating the benefits and services offered to them by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Benton County will illuminate the historic Benton County Courthouse and the County Administration Building green from November 4th through the 12th as part of Operation Green Light. The national collaborative initiative of the National Association of Counties (NACo) supports military veterans, as well as raises awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources that are available at the county, state, and federal level to assist veterans and their families. Operation Green Light encourages its citizens in patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all those who made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom by displaying green lights in a window of their place of business or residence from...
Read more about this updateBenton County and its consultant, Freese and Nichols, will conduct two public meetings to present the project’s goals for developing a Drainage Criteria Manual and to solicit public input on stormwater drainage concerns throughout the County. The purpose of the Manual is to support the preservation of water quality, ensure consistency in drainage reports and the construction of stormwater management facilities, and provide engineering and site development standards to reduce the risk of property damage due to off-site flooding. The public meeting will begin with a brief presentation and a public Q&A session, followed by individual or small group discussions with the project team. While reviewing general topics that the Manual will address, attendees will be asked to share their stormwater drainage experiences with the County and identify other concerns on a written comment form or through input on a web map survey.
Read more about this updateThe Benton County Road Department will close McNelly Road (Benton County 40) from Spanker Road to Spanker Creek Road from Monday, June 2nd – Friday, June 13th or until the job is complete. This area is between Bella Vista and Pea Ridge. Crews will be removing sections of the roadway and prepping it for an asphalt overlay. Detour signs and billboards will be installed and running the week before the closure begins. All construction is pending weather or other delays. Please heed all signage in the area. The detour route is highlighted below.
Read more about this updateAs of Tuesday, August 6th, approximately 536,075 cubic yards of vegetative debris have been picked up in unincorporated Benton County. Benton County will begin the second pass of debris pickup in unincorporated areas on August 18th. Looks Great Services will begin the second pass on the west side of Benton County, where crews began the initial pickup. Each address, there have at least 10 days between the first and second passes. This will allow residents whose debris was just picked up time to place more debris by the roadside. We appreciate residents putting debris near the roadside as soon as possible. This will ensure your storm debris is picked up. There is no need to contact the County to schedule a pickup. Please be patient as crews wrap up the first pass before beginning the second pass on August 18th. Only debris placed along the road in the public...
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