Northwest Arkansas Community College is looking to expand into Washington County.
"We're seeing the dominoes fall into place and this is a big one here, if and when NWACC finally is able to come here."
After scoping out 16 different pieces of property, Springdale may soon be home to a new branch of Northwest Arkansas Community College.
"It's feasible that in the next few months, you could see something occurring," said Steven Hinds, Executive Director of Public Relations and Marketing at NWACC.
On Thursday, the school received a proposal for 39 acres of land. Hinds said the school will decide whether they need the entire plot of land, or just a smaller portion.
"All indications are that negotiations are going very well," said Springdale Mayor Doug Sprouse.
The second location is right next to Arvest Ballpark.
"40-percent of our students are from Washington County... We know that from an accessibility standpoint and from a cost savings standpoint, there would be many students that would benefit by having this instructional center there," said Hinds.
The proposed property will also give some students a chance to continue their education closer to home.
"It would allow other students who have considered attending NWACC, but perhaps maybe due to a job or family that they couldn't make the drive to Bentonville, so perhaps they would be able to attend classes at this instructional center."
Mayor Sprouse is excited to see the growth in his city.
"Anytime you bring that many heads to an area everyday, then that encourages other development which is what we're looking for out here with the road improvements that are coming, and with the ballpark here, I think it's a great fit."
Negotiations for the new location began in May of 2012, and Sprouse believes it is worth the wait.
"We just think it's a great location and glad things seem to be moving forward in that direction."
NWACC is currently leasing locations in Washington County, so classes at the center close to Central Junior High near Elm Springs Road would be moved to the new facility. Classes held at Farmington High School and The Jones Center in Springdale will stay put.
Hinds said the NWACC Task Force will look at the offer, pass it along to the foundation board and the Land Use Committee. The committee will then make a recommendation to the NWACC Board of Trustees. The school will not be using any Bentonville or Rogers millages for the project, as those funds are used in Benton County at the Bentonville campus.
NWACC is hoping philanthropy and partnering with local organizations will help them in this venture.
