31 communities receive rural grant money
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Division of Rural Services and Gov. Sarah Sanders recently awarded more than $357,000 to 31 Arkansas cities, counties and communities.
In total, $357,237.26 was awarded through the Rural Community Grant Program. These awards represent the first cycle of the Division of Rural Services’ grant awards.
The grantees are comprised of cities, counties and unincorporated communities.
The Rural Community Grant Program is one of the Division of Rural Services’ programs, which is used to fund projects such as fire trucks, fire protection equipment, community centers, storm sirens, community parks, walking trails, and baseball fields.
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.
“This grant program helps cities and towns statewide build their communities through a range of new public services – from public safety to parks and recreation,” said Gov. Sanders. “It was an honor to join the recipient communities and showcase the ways Arkansas is making a substantial impact in small towns across the state.”
“In Arkansas, our rural communities are vital and vibrant, helping to drive our state’s economic momentum,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “We are proud to award the Rural Community Grants to these 31 Arkansas communities to help improve their infrastructure and quality of life offerings, which positions them and our state for continued success.”
“It is encouraging to see such a large group of communities apply for the first cycle of the Rural Community Grant Program of fiscal year 2025,” said Becca Caldwell, director of AEDC’s Division of Rural Services. “To be able to fund so many wonderful projects that will help lay a foundation for sustainable growth and improved well-being in rural areas across the state is such a blessing. The Division of Rural Services looks forward to working with the communities throughout their projects and seeing their projects come to fruition.”
The full list of recipients and awards are listed below:
City of Des Arc, $15,000
Taylor Volunteer Fire Department, $15,000
Village Volunteer Fire Department, $4,998
Oak Prairie Volunteer Fire Department, $6,892
Town of Griffithville, $11,087.50
City of Cotter, $15,000
Clarkridge Fire Department, $15,000
Community of Galatia, $15,000
Town of Bergman, $14,068.79
Fulton County, $15,000
Viola Fire Department, $5,063.99
City of Hamburg, $13,380
Ozan Volunteer Fire Department, $15,000
Miller County, $15,000
Miller County, $15,000
Miller County, $15,000
Community of Alread, $7,000
Fairfield Bay Fire Department, $5,248
Community of Scotland, $7,190.97
Hill Top Volunteer Fire Department, $14,804.95
Hindsville Volunteer Fire Department, $3,697.50
Madison County, $11,092.50
St. Paul Fire Department, $15,000
City of Jasper, $15,000
City of Mulberry, $9,453.71
City of Winslow, $6,835.62
City of Hackett, $10,764
City of Bearden, $7,707.73
Junction City Fire Department, $14,952
City of Bono, $15,000
City of Keiser, $8,000