A letter to Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel from State Rep. Uvalde Lindsey.
Source: Fayetteville A&P Commission
The Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission’s decision whether to contribute $1 million toward construction of a performance hall on the University of Arkansas campus is on hold while commissioners await a written opinion from Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel on whether commission funds can be used for the planned campus facility.
State Rep. Uvalde Lindsey, in a letter dated July 24, asked for the attorney general’s formal opinion on behalf of the commission. According to the state’s website, Attorney General Opinion requests are typically answered within 30 days of receipt.
The recommendation to seek a legal opinion was suggested by City Attorney Kit Williams, who questioned whether HMR taxes could be given to the university.
UA Chancellor G. David Gearhart requested the A&P funds to be put toward the estimated $17 million needed to convert the university’s old Field House building into a 700-seat performing arts venue on the UA campus.
Past attorney general opinions
Opinion No. 2007-221 – In 2007, Dustin McDaniel wrote that Helena-West Helena A&P funds could be used to renovate and repair the bleachers and concession stand area of the Helena-West Helena High School.
Opinion No. 96-383 – In 1997, former attorney general Winston Bryant wrote that Pine Bluff A&P funds could be contributed toward the construction of a football stadium for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
