JONESBORO, Ark. — Northeast Arkansas communities are set to receive millions in state funding after Gov. Sarah Sanders and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission awarded $25 million to support industrial site development across the state.
Several Northeast Arkansas cities and counties were included in the latest round of funding through the Arkansas Site Development Program, a release said on Tuesday, with Jonesboro receiving the largest local award at $3,010,000 through Jonesboro Unlimited.
Mississippi County Economic Development was awarded $1,030,743, while the City of Pocahontas will receive $1,269,054. Additional funding includes $680,010 for Forward Searcy and $262,800 for the Newport Economic Development Commission.
State officials said the program is designed to prepare sites for future business and industry recruitment by funding infrastructure improvements and other site-readiness efforts.
“Every success story starts with a strong foundation, and the Arkansas Site Development Program helps communities build the groundwork essential to keep attracting businesses to our state,” Sanders said in a statement.
According to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the funding can be used for a range of improvements, including infrastructure expansion, land preparation, drainage work and environmental studies needed to make sites more competitive for development.
To qualify, applicants must control at least 30 contiguous acres listed in the state’s site selection database.
Officials said 29 applications totaling nearly $74 million were submitted for this round of funding, with 22 communities selected.
“This program is focused on helping local communities compete and win economic development projects,” AEDC Executive Director Clint O’Neal said in a statement.
The Arkansas Site Development Program was launched in 2024, with an initial $10 million awarded to 13 communities. Another $25 million round is expected in fiscal year 2027.
Arkansas Site Development Program awards:
- Bradley County Economic Development Corporation – $14,241
- City of Bentonville – $142,500
- City of Berryville – $1,000,000
- City of De Queen – $79,290
- City of England – $75,872
- City of Jacksonville – $51,800
- City of Pocahontas – $1,269,054
- City of Prescott – $52,250
- City of Russellville – $237,546
- Conway County Economic Development Corporation – $1,668,355
- Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County, Arkansas – $3,792,543
- El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce – $9,025
- Forward Searcy, Inc. – $680,010
- Grant County Industrial Development Corporation – $1,392,999
- Hempstead County Economic Development Commission – $340,833
- Hot Spring County – $530,000
- Hot Springs Metro Partnership – $2,123,972
- Jonesboro Unlimited – $3,010,000
- Little Rock Port Authority – $6,522,727
- Mississippi County Economic Development – $1,030,743
- Newport Economic Development Commission – $262,800
- Stuttgart Industrial Development Corporation – $585,000
SHARE THIS STORY WITH OTHERS:
Discover more from NEA Report
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Be the first to comment