Little Rock, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) today announced more than $12.52 million in community grants across the state, with Craighead County securing local funding to support community development and emergency services.
Out of 88 grants awarded statewide from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and State Rural Community Grant programs, two went directly to Craighead County municipalities under the Rural Community Grant Program:
- City of Bay: $15,000
- Lake City Fire Department: $15,000
The Rural Community Grant Program provides 50/50 matching funds of up to $15,000 to incorporated towns with populations under 3,000 and unincorporated rural areas. These funds are designated for critical local improvements, including fire protection equipment, community parks, walking trails, and storm sirens.
“Arkansas’ success starts with our local communities,” said Governor 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.”
Statewide, the 88 grants totaled $12,522,736. In addition to the Rural Community Grants, funds were distributed through the General Assistance Block Grants and the Rural Services Block Grants to address public infrastructure, emergency services, and economic development needs across rural Arkansas.
“Local communities are the foundation of our success in Arkansas,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the AEDC’s Division of Rural Services. “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.”
Regional and Local Recipients of Note:
Rural Community Grants (Craighead & Neighboring Counties)
- City of Bay, Craighead County: $15,000.00
- Lake City FD, Craighead County: $15,000.00
- City of Cherry Valley, Cross County: $15,000.00
- City of Harrisburg, Poinsett County: $15,000.00
- Imboden FD, Lawrence County: $12,376.45
- Strawberry VFD, Lawrence County: $14,974.40
General Assistance Block Grants (Northeast Arkansas)
- Lafe, Greene County: $499,560.00
- Marked Tree, Poinsett County: $499,000.00
- Sedgwick, Lawrence County: $500,000.00
Rural Services Block Grants (Northeast Arkansas)
- Town of Powhatan, Lawrence County: $90,000.00
About the Grant Programs:
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) are used for a variety of public facilities and infrastructure projects, including senior centers, public health facilities, flood control and drainage projects, and economic development grants. Funds are awarded annually, with counties and municipalities also allocating resources to meet urgent needs.
The Rural Community Grant Program funds projects such as fire trucks, fire protection equipment, community centers, storm sirens, community parks, and walking trails. Applicants from incorporated towns with populations of less than 3,000 and unincorporated rural areas are eligible for up to $15,000 in 50/50 matching funds under the program.
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 with populations of less than 3,000 and unincorporated rural areas with low-to-moderate incomes of 51 percent or higher are eligible for up to $100,000 in program funds, with a 10 percent match.
