Hempstead County Economic Development Corp. hosts SWARIA meeting

New SWARIA Chairman Judge Eddie Howard (left) and outgoing Chairman Lewis Diggs. Photo by Dale Gathright, Jr.

HOPE – Pike County Judge Eddie Howard assumed the role of chairman of the Southwest Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority (SWARIA) at their quarterly meeting January 22nd in Hope. Howard takes over the position from longtime chairman and charter member Lewis Diggs of Bonnerdale, who represents Montgomery County in the group. (Diggs served as Saratoga School superintendent from 1989-1999.)

Diggs has served a total of 14 years as chairman. Discussion on forming the Authority began in 2007 with Diggs and others and SWARIA formally began in 2009. Diggs agreed to serve as vice-chairman. Other officers re-elected were Jane Fugitt of the Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce as secretary, and Clark County Judge Troy Tucker as treasurer.

The contract of Executive Director Leah Hasley of Arkadelphia was renewed for the year.

The meeting was hosted by the Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation and President Anna Lee Powell. Board member and Hempstead County Judge Jerry Crane welcomed the meeting to Hope.

SWARIA is currently composed of Clark, Dallas, Hot Spring, Montgomery, Nevada, Pike, and Hempstead Counties, and the cities of Arkadelphia, Amity, Caddo Valley, Delight, Glenwood, Gurdon, Malvern, and Murfreesboro.