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Texarkana, USA is distinguished by the fact that it is
located in two states—Texas and Arkansas. It is one of the few twin cities
in the United States and as such has both the unique opportunities and the
challenges associated with such a geographical location. The 2005 Census
lists the population of Texarkana, Texas as 33,706 and Texarkana, Arkansas
as 26,230 and a combined two county area of 132, 846.
Texarkana offers a high quality of life because of its low cost of living
and availability to the
arts,
education at all
levels, and
quality health care. Its unique geographical location allows residents
to have access to a variety of outdoor activities. Partnership for the
Pathway, a grassroots non-profit, has began building walking pathways
giving cyclists, runners, and walkers a safe place to exercise that will
eventually connect both cities. There are two lakes, 27 parks, 6 golf
courses, 30 tennis courts, two country clubs, and 6 community centers.
Within 60 miles of Texarkana, Southwest Arkansas is home to many lakes,
rivers, and national parks offering walking/hiking trails, fishing, and
sight seeing. In
addition to the beauty of the region, the cost of living is low in
comparison to more populous regions of the country and unemployment rates
remain around 5%. Over 62% of the residents own their own homes and most
have a short commute to work. A
large and strong community oriented volunteer base maintains the arts,
nonprofits, and various religious institutions. Residents have long been
interested in service and civic activism is imbedded in the business
culture. We
are a community who lives in and through two states, two counties and two
cities. Because of our unique situation, many challenges arise. The state
line runs straight into the heart of downtown Texarkana and through the
United States Post Office located at Stateline Avenue. Two states results
in two independent cities who share utilities (at the moment) but not city
hall. There are separate services for each city, two police departments,
two fire departments, and two city councils with separate mayors.
Working amid the nature of these challenges slows the natural progress of
our region. Often synergy to move forward is blocked by these entities.
The inability of the various governmental systems to view and serve the
community and region as a whole may be Texarkana, USA’s biggest challenge.
Overall the area has a low per capita income which highlights the need for
an increase in business and industry offering higher paying jobs.
Education is one of the keys to attracting industry with employment
opportunities that will increase the average income
of area residents.
Texas A&M University-Texarkana plans to expand and become a four-year
regional university by 2010. This expansion will attract business and
industry as well as help stop the “brain drain” from the region. Texarkana
College has served the area for 82 years and continues to offer academic
as well as vocational programs. The University of Arkansas Medical Science
Area Health Education Center offers additional educational opportunities
in health care.
Interstate-49 is scheduled to come through the area and will intersect
with I-30 causing a huge growth in the population within the first 5 years
after the expansion. The John W. Turk Power Plant located 15 miles
from Texarkana in Fulton, Arkansas will be crucial to providing
electricity to support the growth of the region as well as Texarkana, USA.
The Red River Redevelopment Authority has thousands of acres of land
accessible by rail, roads and near water to support the continued growth
of business and industry in the area.
Overall Texarkana, USA is a great place to live and work. The expansion of
the infrastructure, increased educational opportunities, retail growth,
and access to quality healthcare create a great potential for growth.
1. How can we build
bridges between Arkansas and Texas (individuals and organizations)?
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