"The tragic events of September 11 were an attack not only on America, but on the forces of freedom throughout the civilized world.  Eighty countries lost citizens because of these horrific acts.  This gives us a unique opportunity to build a unified coalition among many nations to eradicate terrorism as we know it across the globe, and we are committed as Americans to seize on that opportunity.  

"I appreciate the President for coming before Congress to address the American people, and I commend his leadership in preparing our government to pursue the networks of terror throughout the world and to get our nation and its economy moving again.  I ask the people of America to be patient and calm, and to stand behind the President, this Congress, and our military personnel at home and abroad.  This campaign is one that will be lengthy, one that will involve not only military action, but also economic, political and financial tactics.    

"As the President stated, Americans must continue to be confident in our nation and our economy.  We shall never forget the September 11 attack on America.  But we must move on with our lives, and we must not alter our way of life.  I encourage you to participate in our economy. 

"I ask all Americans to continue to pray for the families and loved ones of all the victims, for the men and women working tirelessly in the rescue and recovery efforts, for our Armed Forces, and for the strength of our great nation."

“This funding will allow for an important comprehensive review of the present state and the future of our timber industry, which is vital to the livelihoods of so many South Arkansans,” Ross said.  “It is important that we make sure that our timber producers can continue to be a strong part of the South Arkansas economy, and this program will help to do that.”  

The grant provides for the Southwest Arkansas Planning and Development District, Inc., in conjunction with the Institute for Economic Advancement at UALR, to develop a strategy and implementation program to evaluate the timber industry, to determine whether timber resources are being maximized, and to determine the effect of the industry on the economy of the region.  The project will consist of various components such as the analysis of the current presence of timber industry, a support system for independent landowners, market and entrepreneurial development, industrial recruitment targeting, and an action plan based on the results of the strategy.  

“This strategy report will be an expanded effort in partnership with UALR to take a long- and short-term look at shifts in product lines and a number of other dimensions within the timber industry,” said Terry Sherwood, Executive Director of the Southwest Arkansas Planning and Development District.  “We want this to be a tool to optimize the economy of the timber industry in Arkansas.”   

The study will be a two-year effort that will encompass a study area including the following twelve South Arkansas counties:  Calhoun, Columbia, Dallas, Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little River, Miller, Nevada, Ouachita, Sevier, and Union.