Van Buren’s Opportunity Zone & Industrial Park: Growth Potential Ahead of 2026 Slackwater Harbor Project

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Van Buren’s Growth Engine: What the Future Holds for Industry & Investment

With a 7,200-acre Opportunity Zone, a thriving industrial park, and the upcoming Slackwater Harbor project, Van Buren is positioning itself as a logistics and manufacturing hub for the region.

Van Buren has long been known as a crossroads for river, rail, and highway transportation. Now, with a 7,200-acre Opportunity Zone covering much of the city’s Industrial Park and riverfront, leaders say the next few years could unlock a new wave of growth.

Why the timing matters

The biggest change on the horizon is the Slackwater Harbor project, scheduled to break ground in April 2026 and finish by early 2027. The new harbor will create a protected inlet on the Arkansas River, allowing barges to load and unload without long weather delays. For companies moving steel, grain, or bulk products, that reliability could make Van Buren one of the most efficient shipping hubs in the state.

Add to that Van Buren’s existing strengths — I-40 and I-540 access, rail service from Arkansas & Missouri Railroad and Union Pacific, and established port operations at Five Rivers Distribution — and the city offers something rare: all three freight modes in one place.

Inside the Industrial Park

The 126-acre Industrial Park is already home to major employers like Tyson Foods, Simmons Foods, AFCO Steel, and USA Truck. Available tracts in and around the park give room for expansion, while the Opportunity Zone designation opens doors for federal tax incentives on qualifying investments. For manufacturers, logistics providers, and even food-processing firms, the combination of land, infrastructure, and incentives is hard to ignore.

Beyond industry

The Opportunity Zone isn’t limited to factories and warehouses. Parts of the designated area also include commercial and residential parcels, making it a candidate for workforce housing or service businesses that support the growing industrial base. With more jobs expected to arrive, housing close to the park could be a practical win for both workers and developers.

What to watch next

Final engineering and contracts for Slackwater Harbor — to confirm the timeline holds.
New distribution or transload facilities announced by private shippers preparing for the harbor.
Speculative builds or renovations inside the Industrial Park as demand picks up.