Governor Sanders and AEDC’s Rural Services Division Award $357K to 31 Arkansas Communities

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (December 11, 2024) – The Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Division of Rural Services awarded more than $357,000 to 31 Arkansas cities, counties and communities.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined AEDC officials to present the grants during an award ceremony at the Governor’s Conference Room in Little Rock. Representatives from the 31 Arkansas communities attended to accept the Rural Community Grant Program awards.

“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 Governor 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 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.

“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.”

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.

“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.”

More information about the programs, as well as deadlines, can be found at www.arkansasedc.com/Rural-Services/division.

Photos from the grants awards can be found here.

View the full list of recipients and awards 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

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About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission

At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn’t happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success. AEDC is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce. To learn more, visit ArkansasEDC.com.