Springdale to receive $1.5 million to widen road, make way for new manufacturing plant

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) will give a $1.5 million grant to the city of Springdale to widen and extend a road and allow for the construction of a plant for a food processing equipment manufacturer.

The project will widen Kendrick Avenue and connect it to Highway 265.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced Thursday (March 5) the grant is expected to create or retain 125 jobs and generate $14.6 million in private investment.

The federal grant will support business growth and improve roadway infrastructure to ease the movement of commercial traffic. It will be matched with $1 million from the area.

“EDA is pleased to support Springdale’s strategy to enhance the roads and create access to a major state thoroughfare,” said John Fleming, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “In addition, this project will make it possible for a food processing equipment manufacturer to construct a plant on a nearby site and bring much needed jobs to the region.”

“Springdale is ripe with growth opportunity, and this strategic investment will make our community even more competitive,” said U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers. “This project will connect Kendrick Avenue and Highway 265 to create a streamlined transportation corridor that will attract new businesses and jobs to the area. It’s a great example of leveraging existing assets to support long-term economic development, improve traffic flow and modernize infrastructure. I’m proud to work alongside the administration and local partners to advance this transformative project.”

The project was a result of regional planning efforts led by the Northwest Arkansas Planning and Development District. The EDA provides money to the district to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development plan to improve the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.