Arkansas Tech University President Dr. Russell Jones was among the speakers at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Pope County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) facility on Monday, Sept. 29.
The new Pope County EMS facility was built on ATU property adjacent to North Arkansas Avenue in Russellville as a result of a land lease agreement authorized by the ATU Board of Trustees and the Pope County Quorum Court in 2022.
ATU leased 4.29 acres of ATU property adjacent to the Russellville Fire Department station on North Arkansas Avenue to Pope County. The new central station replaces a facility on Weir Road that has served Pope County for more than four decades.
“This project is just one aspect of our ongoing and mutually beneficial partnership with Pope County and our local cities,” said Dr. Russell Jones, Arkansas Tech University president. “There are additional benefits of this project for Arkansas Tech students, faculty and staff. With the opening of this facility, we now have access to fire and paramedic/EMT services right here on campus property. In addition, ATU students will be eligible for internships and apprenticeships with Pope County EMS through the new facility. I am grateful for the vision and leadership of Judge Cross in making this addition to our county possible and for all of his efforts to make Pope County an even greater place to live, learn and work.”
Pope County Judge Ben Cross said the new Pope County EMS headquarters was constructed with American Rescue Plan funds and did not require any local taxpayer support. He expressed his appreciation to Arkansas Tech for its partnership in making the new Pope County EMS facility possible during his remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony.
