LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s (AEDC) Division of Rural Services to award $344,728.69 in grants to 33 cities and counties across the state.
"These grants go a long way toward making sure that every corner of Arkansas – not just a few big cities – is taken care of,” said Governor Sanders. “These 33 recipients come from across our state, from Yellville to Mulberry. Each one of these grants provides their communities with the tools they need to make Arkansas the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”
The grants are part of the AEDC's Rural Community Grant Program, which helps fund projects such as fire trucks, fire protection equipment, community centers, storm sirens, community parks, walking trails, and baseball fields in local communities.
“We are committed to working with and supporting rural communities in Arkansas to help them succeed,” said Director of the Division of Rural Services Becca Caldwell. “With the latest Rural Community Grant Program awards, thirty-three Arkansas cities and counties have additional resources and funding for important projects that will increase quality of life in their communities.”
The Arkansas communities receiving grants include:
- Center Hill Fire Department, $15,000
- City of Foreman, $15,000
- City of Lakeview, $1,946.78
- City of McNeil, $6,160.36
- City of Mulberry, $3,847.84
- City of Strong, $15,000
- City of Sulphur Springs, $8,588.60
- City of Winthrop, $15,000
- City of Yellville, $6,098.75
- Cord Volunteer Fire Department, $15,000
- Cotter-Gassville Rural Fire Protection District, $14,433.08
- Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department, $14,801.93
- Etowah Volunteer Fire Department, $3,002
- Grayson Fire Department, $15,000
- Highfill Volunteer Fire Department, $14,915.92
- Highway 250 Volunteer Fire Department, $5,718.31
- Huntsville Fire Department, $6,562.50
- Keo Fire Department, $13,244
- Lake City Fire Department, $7,169.97
- Leslie Volunteer Fire Department, $13,724.85
- Lincoln Fire Department, $15,000
- Lutherville-Holman Community, $11,162
- Luton-Pelsor Volunteer Fire Department, $9,750
- Norfork Fire Department, $14,406.04
- Oakland Promise Land Fire Protection District, $15,000
- Pangburn Volunteer Fire Department, $7,124.25
- Pike County, $4,041.52
- Prim Fire Department, $14,630
- Stone County, $15,000
- Town of Franklin, $8,347.80
- Tyronza Volunteer Fire Department, $3,832.20
- Waldron Rural Fire Protection District, $1,250
- Washington Volunteer Fire Department, $15,000
This marked the Division of Rural Services’ second cycle of Fiscal Year 2024 grants. Applicants from incorporated towns with a population of less than 3,000 and unincorporated rural areas are eligible for up to $15,000 in matching funds under the program.
“Rural communities play a major role in the economic success of our state,” said Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission Clint O’Neal. “The grants awarded by AEDC’s Division of Rural Services will help rural communities throughout the state improve their infrastructure and quality of life amenities to benefit Arkansans.”
