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Conway council approves expanded WestRock bond packages for Exchange Avenue and Clark Drive
Summary
After a public hearing with supporters from WestRock and local business leaders, the Conway City Council approved two ordinances authorizing taxable industrial development revenue bonds tied to WestRock's Exchange Avenue and Clark Drive projects; both measures passed unanimously 7-0. Council emphasized the bonds secure property-tax abatements and "
Conway City Council unanimously approved two ordinances Oct. 28 authorizing taxable industrial development revenue bonds connected to WestRock Beverage Company's expanding operations in Conway.
Council opened a public hearing on the Exchange Avenue portion of the WestRock project and heard from Gordon Wilburn, who said the project has grown since prior approvals and now includes an added production line at a Clark Avenue facility. Wilburn said the requests are intended to support property-tax abatement for WestRock's investment; "They are not obligations of the City of Conway," he said.
Local business representative Corey Parks spoke in support, telling the council that corporate conservatism in projections and the addition of new production lines represent job growth and private investment in Conway. No members of the public spoke in opposition at the hearing.
After waiving the three-reading requirement for several economic-development ordinances, councilmembers moved to adopt the Exchange Avenue ordinance (identified in the proceedings as O2583) and then a separate ordinance approving the Clark Drive bond package. Both ordinances passed on roll-call votes 7-0. Council discussed cost pressures and expansion-driven growth; WestRock representatives said recent increases reflected both growth and rising construction costs.
The ordinances authorize the issuance of taxable industrial development and improvement bonds tied to specified WestRock projects and are intended to enable property-tax abatement for WestRock's private financing. Council members asked clarifying questions about project scope and potential community benefits such as local jobs; WestRock representatives emphasized the company's continued investment in Conway.
