Bryant receives welcome report

Perseverance, teamwork and a real need led to welcome news for Bryant.

U.S. Postal Service will spend more than a half-million dollars to renovate the Bryant Post Office.

Debbie Broadway, wife of state Sen. Shane Broadway, spearheaded an effort to have the post office rebuilt.

Prodding a government agency isn't easy, but Debbie Broadway, Mayor Larry Mitchell and others gained the backing of Arkansas' entire congressional delegation.

Mitchell and others are happy the work won't require local funding - USPS saw the need and will pay for the entire $650,000 project.

Broadway's team did its homework.

Surveyed postal patrons overwhelming expressed dislike of the existing facility, including fear for personal safety because of heavy traffic.

Built when Bryant was a quiet country town, the post office was simply overwhelmed by the city's growth. Some 65,000 vehicles pass the facility daily.

A mountain of paperwork had to be overcome in winning the facility, but it will be something Bryant will take pride in.

Another fruit of the group's efforts is the newly opened contract postal unit on the north side of Interstate 30. It opened at the perfect time,enabling the main post office's renovation to be conducted through the busy Christmas season.

A genuine need is one thing. Documenting it and gaining the support of all congressmen and senators takes persistence.

The long process of convincing a quasi-governmental agency its construction funds should best be spent in Bryant couldn't have been accomplished without the long-term vision and hard work of Broadway and other local citizens.

As well as its efficiency, it will be an attractive building enhancing Reynolds Road.

For decades to come, Bryant postal customers will have their efforts to thank.