AEDC announces rural services grants

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Division of Rural Services recently awarded grants totaling $806,125 to 29 Arkansas cities and counties.

AEDC Executive Director Clint O’Neal, Director of Rural Services Becca Caldwell, and the Arkansas Rural Development Commission presented the grant awards at the 2024 Rural Development Conference.

Eight grants, totaling $517,417, were awarded through the Rural Services Block Grant Program. This grant program funds new construction or renovation of community centers, fire stations, or multi-purpose buildings, as well as the purchase of fire trucks (pumper, tanker, brush, or certain service trucks). Applicants from incorporated towns of less than 3,000 in population and unincorporated rural areas with low to moderate incomes of 51% or higher are eligible for up to $75,000 in funds under the program with a 10% match.

The towns of Reyno and Timbo got the most grant money, each receiving $75,000 for their fire departments. The town of Powhatan was second with a $71,000 grant.

Twenty-one grants, totaling $288,707, were awarded through the Rural Community Grant Program to fund projects such as baseball fields, community parks, walking trails, community centers, fire stations, fire trucks, and other fire protection-related equipment. Applicants from incorporated towns of less than 3,000 in population and unincorporated rural areas are eligible for up to $15,000 in matching funds under the program.

“Strong rural communities are a key part of our state’s economic success,” said Caldwell. “Through our grant programs, we are committed to helping our local rural communities improve their infrastructure and quality of life, making Arkansas the natural choice to live and work.”

For cities and counties interested in applying for Fiscal Year 2025 grants, the next application cycle deadline is August 8, 2024. Link here for more information about the programs and deadlines.