Attorney General Closes Investigation on Fort Smith Property Near Guard Base
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin has officially closed his investigation into the ownership of a property located at 4811 S. Zero St. in Fort Smith near the Ebbing Air National Guard Base. The inquiry was sparked by a letter from the Secretary of Agriculture Wesley W. Ward, which raised concerns about potential national security risks due to the close proximity of the property to the military installation.
The Attorney General’s office reviewed Act 636 of 2023, which prohibits the sale or possession of agricultural land by “prohibited foreign-party-controlled-businesses.” After examining the ownership details of 4811 S. Zero Street, LLC, Griffin’s office determined that there was no violation of this law. The property owners cooperated fully in the investigation, providing necessary information.
In his statement, Griffin acknowledged the diligence of his office’s attorneys and agents for their efforts in handling the case. He also expressed gratitude to the Secretary of Agriculture for bringing this issue to his attention.
The Attorney General’s office worked closely with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture to gather information related to the property. The investigation found that the Chinese government does not own the property, addressing initial concerns about foreign influence.
This inquiry highlights the commitment of the Attorney General’s office to ensuring that state laws related to foreign control of agricultural land are adhered to and that national security risks are assessed and mitigated wherever necessary.
The swift resolution of this investigation underscores the Arkansas state government’s dedication to protecting critical infrastructure and national interests while maintaining open lines of communication between government agencies.
