Arkansas communities receive $12.5 million to support local projects

Arkansas cities, counties and communities are receiving more than $12.5 million in grant funding to support public facility and infrastructure projects, state officials announced Monday. 

The 88 grants come from the Community Development Block Grant and State Rural Community Grant programs, and can be used for a variety of projects. The projects that can be funded include public health facilities, community center renovations, flood control and fire protection equipment, according to a press release. 

“Local communities are the foundation of our success in Arkansas,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “With the grants from the Division of Rural Services and the Grants Division, we aim to help communities access the resources and services they need to grow and continue creating economic opportunities.”

The largest grants are $500,000 General Assistance Block Grants that are being awarded to Evening Shade, Gurdon, Marianna, Sedgwick and Widener.

“The success of the CDBG program lies in the dedication of our local leaders who work tirelessly to improve their communities,” said Jean Noble, director of AEDC’s Grants Division. “The CDBG program gives the state the ability to partner with these cities and counties to turn critical infrastructure priorities into reality while addressing their most urgent safety, health, and development needs.”

Senior centers and childcare centers are among the projects that can benefit from State Community Development Block Grant funds, according to the release. Funds are awarded annually, with counties and municipalities also allocating resources to meet urgent needs.

A complete list of grant recipients is available here.