Governor, AEDC award $12. 5 million in grants to rural Arkansas communities - Talk Business & Politics
Gov. Sarah Sanders and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission announced more than $12. 52 million in funding for Arkansas cities, counties, and communities. Eight-eight (88) grants, totaling $12,522,736, were awarded during. . .
Gov. Sarah Sanders and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission announced more than $12. 52 million in funding for Arkansas cities, counties, and communities. Eight-eight (88) 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. 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. ”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 Division of Rural Services and the Rural Development Commission are proud to present recipients of the Rural Community Grant and the Rural Services Block Grant for fiscal year 2026,” said Becca Caldwell, director of AEDC’s Division of Rural Services. “These grant programs are essential for the development of rural Arkansas as they help communities improve their quality of life, address safety concerns, and improve infrastructure. The Division of Rural Services is committed to help set up our rural communities to thrive. ”View the full list of recipients and awards below:Rural Community Grant ProgramAltus Fire Department$15,000Atkins Volunteer Fire Department$15,000Bradley Fire Department$15,000Carlisle Fire Department$15,000Cato Volunteer Fire Department$15,000Charleston Fire Department$7,500City of Bay$15,000City of Cedarville$5,094. 29City of Cherry Valley$15,000City of Chidester$10,990. 50City of Diamond City$15,000City Of Hampton$15,o00City of Harrisburg$15,000City 0f Hazen$15,000City of Hughes$8,012. 32City of McCrory$15,000City of Mulberry$15,000City of Ogden$7,401. 95City of Pangburn$15,000City of Sparkman$15,000Community of Compton$1,500Community of Rover$7,300Cotter Volunteer Fire Department$15,000Drew County$13,495. 50Enola Fire Department$6,111. 52Fouke Fire Department$15,000Hackett Volunteer Fire Department$15,000Hackett Volunteer Fire Department$15,000Harmon Fire Department$15,000Highfill Volunteer Fire Department$12,151. 42Imboden Fire Department$12,376. 45Izard County$15,000Junction City Volunteer Fire Department$15,000Lake City Fire Department$15,000Landis Volunteer Fire Department$15,000Lincoln Fire Department$15,000Marshall Fire Department$15,000Mineral Springs Fire Department$15,000Mount Holly Volunteer Fire Department$12,705Oakland Promise Land Fire Protection District$15,000Poyen Fire Department$15,000Prim Fire Department$5,203Star City Fire Department$7,259Strawberry Volunteer Fire Department$14,974. 40Town of Bergman$15,000Town of Big Flat$15,000Town of Caulksville$15,000Town of Emerson$14,986. 26Town of Guy$15,000Town of Letona$4,984Town of Oak Grove$15,000Town of Prattsville$9,345Town of Shirley$15,000Town of St. Joe$7,488. 24Welcome Home Community$9,000Woodlawn Volunteer Fire Department$6,758. 75Rural Services Block Grant ProgramAshley County$89,999. 74City Of Ash Flat$90,000City of Banks$89,999. 99City of Hackett$99,900City of Huntington$90,000City of Tillar$100,000Independence County$100,000Town of Cove$100,000Town of Powhatan$90,000General AssistanceCity of Bradley$499,939Cleburne County$116,665City of Cotter$487,620City of Evening Shade$500,000City of Glenwood$499,828City of Gurdon$500,000City of Hartford$498,545Izard County$482,509Jackson County$387,630City of Junction City$498,635Town of Lafe$499,560City of Leslie$499,200Town of Louann$499,999City of Marianna$500,000City of Marked Tree$499,000Town of Maynard$499,706City of McNeil$499,606City of Prescott$499,988Town of Sedgwick$500,000City of Wickes$495,612Town of Widener$500,000Town of Willisville$499,438City of Wilton$499,720Related