The new $1.9 million sweet potato storage facility will allow buyers to purchase Delta-grown sweet potatoes year-round and will offer a sustained market for Delta-area sweet potato farmers.  The sweet potato facility project is a key component of the Phillips County Strategic Plan for Economic Development.

Arkansas' congressional delegation has worked with the Arkansas Delta Produce Marketing LLC, the Central Arkansas Resource Conservation and Development Council, and Winrock International to develop a plan for the facility’s construction. The delegation also secured $800,000 in the Fiscal Year 2006 Transportation-Treasury-Judiciary-Housing and Urban Development Appropriations to help with the construction of the facility.

“I am pleased to have worked for the past three years with Delta-area farmers and community leaders to secure resources to make this facility a reality,” Senator Lincoln said.  “It is critical that we continue to encourage developments that will provide new agricultural markets, promote entrepreneurship and stimulate the economic outlook for the Delta Region.”

“The new sweet potato storage and processing facility will allow local farmers new avenues of growth, spur investment in Phillips County and help stimulate the local economy. I am pleased to have worked with many local, state and federal partners to help make this facility a reality.  It is an excellent example of the positive developments happening in the Delta region.” Senator Pryor said.

"This grant is proof of what we can achieve when great leaders from the community and every level of government come together to bring growth and development to Arkansas' Delta," Congressman Berry said. "I commend Phillips County for its leadership on this important project which will not only open markets for local farmers but provide a tremendous boost to the region's economy."