Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission awarded more than $11.9 million in grants to assist Arkansas cities, counties and communities.
Southeast Arkansas communities were among recipients.
In total, $11,917,562.72 was awarded through the General Assistance Community Development Block Grant, Rural Services Block Grant and Rural Community Grant programs. Sixty-five grants were awarded across the three programs.
Sanders joined AEDC officials to present the grants during an awards ceremony at the Governor’s Conference Room in Little Rock on Aug. 21. Representatives from the Arkansas communities attended to accept the grant awards, according to a news release.
“From Norfork to McGehee to Horatio, Arkansans across the state deserve to live in safe, vibrant communities, and that’s why these grants are so important,” Sanders said. “Not only will this funding go towards critical infrastructure projects throughout the Natural State, but it will also fund community parks, walking trails, youth centers, and more — projects that will improve residents’ quality of life and ensure our towns and cities are great places to call home.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“In Arkansas, strong communities are the foundation of our success,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of AEDC. “Grants awarded through AEDC’s Division of Rural Services and the Grants Division help communities provide needed resources, equipment and services that keep our communities strong and healthy.”
There were a combined 36 grants, totaling $11,546,309.95, awarded from the Community Development Block Grant programs. The grants were awarded under the General Assistance and Rural Services Block Grant set-asides, part of Arkansas’s $17.48 million 2024 formula grant allocation, which is designed to provide communities the opportunity to apply for a variety of non-housing public facility and public infrastructure projects. These funds originate from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) State Program for Small Cities.
An additional 29 grants totaling $371,252.77 were awarded through the State’s Rural Community Grant Program.
State CDBG funds are utilized for a variety of public facility and public infrastructure projects, including senior centers; childcare centers; public health facilities; youth centers; residential water and wastewater; street, curb, gutter, sidewalk or storm sewer; and flood control and drainage projects, as well as toward economic development grants incentivizing the location or expansion of jobs in the state. Funds are awarded on an annual basis with counties and municipalities also allocating resources to meet urgent needs and benefit low- and moderate-income persons.
The Rural Services Block Grant program funds new construction or renovation of community centers, fire stations or multi-purpose buildings, as well as the purchase of fire trucks (pumper, tanker, brush or certain service trucks) and fire equipment. Applicants from incorporated towns of less than 3,000 in population and unincorporated rural areas with low to moderate incomes of 51% or higher are eligible for up to $100,000 in funds under the program with a 10% match.
The Rural Community Grant Program is used to fund projects such as fire trucks, fire protection equipment, community centers, storm sirens, community parks, walking trails and baseball fields. Applicants from incorporated towns of less than 3,000 in population and unincorporated rural areas are eligible for up to $15,000 in 50/50 matching funds under the program.
AREA GENERAL ASSISTANCE BLOCK GRANT RECIPIENTS INCLUDE:
McGehee, Desha County — $499,995.00, lift station improvements.
AREA RURAL SERVICES BLOCK GRANT RECIPIENTS INCLUDE:
City of Montrose, Ashley County — $91,988.95, radios and turnout gear.
Town of Pratsville, Grant County — $31,946.00, side-by-side unit and trailer for rescue operations.
AREA RURAL COMMUNITY GRANT RECIPIENTS INCLUDE:
Grapevine FD, Grant County — $15,000.00, new skid unit UTV.
Pansy FD, Cleveland County — $4,024.00, new fire hoses.
Details: ArkansasEDC.com.