Students help Newport assess uses for Blue Bridge - KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports

Students help Newport assess uses for Blue Bridge

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Students from the Clinton School of Public Service are working on a report for the Newport about possible future uses of the Blue Bridge should the city accept the bridge from the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department. Students from the Clinton School of Public Service are working on a report for the Newport about possible future uses of the Blue Bridge should the city accept the bridge from the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department.

NEWPORT, AR (KAIT) – The city of Newport held a reception for students from the Clinton School of Public Service.

They are working on a report for the city about possible future uses of the Blue Bridge should the city accept the bridge from the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department.

They'll focus on the pros and cons of the bridge.  They will look into best practices of other communities as well as the issues relating specifically to Newport.  They'll be working with a local steering committee to seek public input on the building.

"Our team is going to talk to as many stake holders.  Whether its community members, experts in engineering, and we hope to get a lot of community feedback." said team member Abby Olivier.

This is the third group the City of Newport has worked with on projects.  Jon Chadwell, Executive Director for the Newport Economic Development Council, says the city loves when groups from the school come to work with Newport. "It's vital.  There's a lot of research and it takes a lot of time." Chadwell said, "When the students do that research and can provide it in a condensed fashion to the city council, it helps the council make a more informed decision."

The students will work on the research during the fall and spring, to coincide with school semester. They will report their finding to the Newport City Council next spring.  

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