The Arkansas Economic Development Commission has announced more than $12.52 million in grant funding for Arkansas cities, counties and communities.
Eighty-eight grants totaling $12,522,736 were awarded during the latest grant cycle. The funding was provided through the General Assistance and Rural Services Block Grant set-asides of the State Small Cities Community Development Block Grant and State Rural Community Grant programs.
“Arkansas’ success starts with our local communities,” said Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “The places that shape our towns and cities are often the ones that define them – a park, walking trail, community center, safer street. These funds help local leaders build those places that bring neighbors together, improve quality of life, and build on what Arkansans already know: there is no better place in America to live, work, and raise a family than the Natural State.”
Through the Community Development Block Grant program, Arkansas has awarded 32 grants totaling $11,813,099 to support non-housing public infrastructure and facility developments. The funding is designed to give local governments the flexibility to tackle their most pressing development needs. These funds originate from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the State Small Cities CDBG Program.
An additional 56 grants totaling $709,637 were awarded through the state’s Rural Community Grant Program, according to a press release.
State CDBG funds are utilized for a variety of public facility and 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 towards 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 to 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 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 percent or higher are eligible for up to $100,000 in funds under the program, with a 10 percent match.
The Rural Community Grant Program is used to fund projects such as fire trucks, fire protection equipment, community centers, storm sirens, community parks and walking trails. 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.
The full list of communities receiving funding is available here.
Photo Credit: Harmon Fire Department/Facebook (one of the grant recipients)
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