Arkansas Children's Hospital announced Thursday that construction has started on a $75 million research center in Little Rock dedicated to studying the impact of opioids on children and parents.

The National Center for Opioid Research & Clinical Effectiveness is expected to occupy 65,000 square feet, according to a news release, more than 40% larger than estimates when details of the project were announced in 2023.

Site work on the facility began in late July, Arkansas Children's spokeswoman Hilary DeMillo confirmed via email.

State Attorney General Tim Griffin provided $55 million of the project's budget in opioid and vaping settlement funds, with the hospital contributing the remaining $20 million.

"I've imposed upon myself a desire to at least have one eye looking for some long-term

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