Natural State Happenings: May 2026

This press release from Senator John Boozman (R-AR) was published on 2026-05-15 and titled "Natural State Happenings: May 2026".

Natural State Happenings: May 2026

One of the best parts of State Work Periods is the opportunity to spend time traveling across The Natural State and visiting directly with the people who make it such a special place to call home. I recently had the chance to meet with local leaders, educators, law enforcement officers and small business owners who are working every day to strengthen their communities and create new opportunities for Arkansans. From economic development and workforce training to public safety and small business growth, each visit highlighted the strong work ethic, innovation and community spirit that continues to move Arkansas forward. In Fort Smith, I joined local and international partners for the groundbreaking of the F-35 Multi-Country Academic Training Center at Ebbing Air National Guard Base. The foreign pilot training mission represents a major investment in our national defense capabilities and strengthens Arkansas's role in supporting military readiness and global cooperation. It will also bring long-term benefits to the region and reinforce Fort Smith's importance in our nation's defense infrastructure. Getting work started on the facility represents crucial progress that will ultimately result in the best F-35 training site in the entire world. Groundbreaking ceremony for the new F-35 Academic Training Center Delivering remarks at the ceremony ICYMI: Local Reporting on my visit to Ebbing Air Base 40/29: Construction begins on new pilot training center in Fort Smith KNWA: Ebbing Air Base gets new F-35 center, boosting pilot training 5 News: Ebbing Air National Guard breaks ground on new F-35 training center River Valley Democrat Gazette: Groundbreaking ceremony held for new F-35 pilot training center at Ebbing Air National Guard Base Southwest Times Record: F-35 training facility in Fort Smith targets 18-month build Talk Business: Work begins on F-35 academic training center at Ebbing Air National Guard Base While in Sebastian County, I spent time in Greenwood receiving updates on the ongoing construction of the Greenwood bypass, a critical infrastructure project that will improve traffic flow and support economic development in the area. It was encouraging to see the momentum and investment taking place throughout the community. I enjoyed meeting with Greenwood's police chief, fire chief, city clerk, parks department and wastewater director to discuss infrastructure needs, economic development and public safety priorities. Conversations like these provide important insight from the local leaders serving Arkansans every day. Great day with City of Greenwood leaders Hearing from local officials in Sebastian County In Little Rock, I toured the Little Rock Police Department's Real-Time Crime Center and saw firsthand how technology and coordination are helping bolster public safety efforts. I appreciated hearing about the impact of federal support, including funding I secured to establish the Arkansas Criminal Intelligence Network (ACIN), and how these tools are helping law enforcement and first responders better prevent and respond to crime in central Arkansas and beyond. Learning about LRPD's public safety technology Discussing public safety with Mayor Scott and Chief Helton ICYMI: Local Reporting on my visit to Little Rock Police Department's Real-Time Crime Center Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Officials tour Little Rock's Real-Time Crime Center, preview Arkansas Criminal Intelligence Network KATV: AI-powered Arkansas Criminal Intelligence Network set to change game for law enforcement THV11: Senator Boozman tours Little Rock Police Department's Real-Time Crime Center Another highlight of the work period was celebrating a federal investment I championed for the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College to construct a Workforce Center alongside local leaders and community partners. This project reflects strong collaboration between the school, the Little Rock Port Authority, the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce and many others committed to increasing the supply of skilled labor for this world-class industrial site. The new facility will provide hands-on training in manufacturing and logistics, helping prepare Arkansans for in-demand careers while supporting continued growth at the Port of Little Rock. Workforce development remains critical to expanding economic opportunity across our state. ICYMI: Local Reporting on my visit to UA-Pulaski Technical College Workforce Center KATV: Boozman's $20M federal boost backs UA-Pulaski Tech workforce hub by Port of Little Rock Another stop during the work period was the Lonoke Business Academy, which provides high school students with hands-on training in agriculture and other skilled trades. Programs like this help prepare the next generation for successful careers while supporting Arkansas's largest industries and future workforce needs. At the site of the future UA-Pulaski Tech Workforce Training Center Touring Lonoke Business Academy I also enjoyed sitting down with Dave