By Scott Loftis

Eureka Springs Times-Echo

The controversial Nimbus Project was back at the forefront of the Carroll County Quorum Court’s regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 16, with residents speaking during public comments about traffic delays created by trucks hauling oversized loads carrying components for the project’s 30 wind turbines.

Richard Williams, a former county judge who lives on County Road 905 south of Green Forest, primary site of the project, recounted being stuck for nearly an hour behind an oversized load, arguing that state law limits such stoppages to just a few minutes. He also said that he had been advised by the Arkansas Highway Patrol that local law enforcement agencies have the authority to issue citations for violations of state and federal regulations such as overweight loads. He later provided copies of several warnings and citations written to drivers by the highway patrol.

Williams said he had been told by someone with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office that only the state highway patrol had authority over the transports.

Resident Arturo Calvillo, one of the landowners who has a lease agreement for the Nimbus Project, praised local law enforcement for managing traffic as best they could, arguing that the process generally worked smoothly and should not be overly disrupted. Resident Bobby Wilson said congestion remains a serious problem, affecting daily commutes, student travel and emergency access.

Sheriff Daniel Klatt acknowledged the frustration but stressed the department’s limited manpower and lack of training in specialized trucking and Department of Transportation regulations. Klatt said the sheriff’s office is working with the state highway patrol to clarify what local deputies can enforce and how best to manage future convoys.