Committee clears bill to allow sale of acreage to fund scout properties

Representative Eubanks closed debate on a bill to allow the sale of roughly 2,500 acres while keeping about 250 acres for scouting use in South Logan County and asked for the committee’s favorable vote.

The measure drew questions from lawmakers about how proceeds would be used and what safeguards would ensure the money supports scouting properties. A witness told the committee that “the board of the scout council has passed a resolution and provided it, saying that, we will use that money to improve scouting properties in Arkansas.” Representative Holcomb asked whether the sponsoring group already had a buyer; the presenter replied that there is no buyer yet and that the property would be marketed to secure full value rather than be auctioned.

Representative Brown pressed whether there would be accountability to prevent proceeds from being diverted. Committee testimony repeated that the scout council resolution directs funds to scout properties; speakers also noted that the council’s recent merger (Westark Area Council) added another camp on the Buffalo River that needs repair. Committee members asked whether the expected sale price would be enough to rehabilitate both camps; an answer given to the committee was that sale funds “are gonna go a long way” toward addressing maintenance, but additional fundraising would likely be needed.

After brief closing remarks from Representative Eubanks — who described his personal experience with scouting and said, “My 3 boys are Eagle scouts” — the committee moved to a voice vote on a motion to pass. The chair called for ayes and declared the measure passed on voice vote.