City Update on the Provalus Partnership

The city of Harrison is moving forward with its effort to attract Provalus, though the project has faced some financial shifts. After the city council approved a deal in August 2025, the city purchased a building for $475,000 to house the company.

While renovation costs were initially estimated at $1.3 million, the price rose to $2.2 million due to inflation and specific design requests from Provalus. However, City Chief Financial Officer Luke Feighert reported that "value engineering" has since reduced the projected cost to $1.9 million. This will be funded through a combination of the city's economic development fund, a grant from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), surplus property sales, and anticipated historic tax credits. Construction is expected to begin within 30 days and should be completed within six to twelve months.

Under the terms of the agreement, Provalus is required to create at least 30 jobs per year for five years, with an average hourly wage of $19.41. In return, the company will receive five years of free rent and the eventual option to purchase the building.

Conversely, Provalus's planned expansion into Walnut Ridge has hit a major roadblock. Mayor Charles Snapp announced that the buildings originally selected for the project had to be demolished after structural failures caused ceilings to collapse during preparations. As a result, new facilities must be built from scratch.

Unlike Harrison, Walnut Ridge does not yet have a formal agreement with Provalus; the company is currently operating under a lease with a private property owner. Although the city previously secured a $509,000 grant and purchased land for parking, a final agreement will not be signed until the construction budget is finalized.

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