The City of Des Arc and the Oak Prairie Volunteer Fire Department have received grants from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission's Division of Rural Services.
They are two of 31 Arkansas cities, counties, and unincorporated communities that Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and AEDC officials awarded a total of $357,237.26 in grant funds at an award ceremony at the Governor's Conference Room in Little Rock.
“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.”
The City of Des Arc received $15,000 to help with plumbing for the new concession stand and restroom facility.
The Oak Prairie Fire Department received $6,892 to purchase equipment.
Central Arkansas Planning and Development's Community and Economic Team assisted the Prairie County seat and volunteer fire department in obtaining the grant.
Click here for more information on how CAPDD's Community and Economic Development Team assists Faulkner, Lonoke, Monroe, Prairie, Pulaski, and Saline Counties and other communities in the area.
This was 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 Rural Community Grant Program, managed by the Division of Rural Services, provides funding for various projects, including fire trucks, fire protection equipment, community centers, storm sirens, community parks, walking trails, and baseball fields. Applicants from incorporated towns with populations of less than 3,000, as well as unincorporated rural areas, can apply for up to $15,000 in matching funds through this 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.
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
About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission
AEDC works 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.
About the Central Arkansas Planning and Development District
As a major component of the Economic Development Administration's program, the Development District Program is intended to promote economic growth through multi-county planning and investment. Arkansas's federal and state governments use the Planning and Development Districts as a service delivery system.
The Central Arkansas Planning and Development District serves Faulkner, Lonoke, Monroe, Prairie, Pulaski, and Saline Counties. To help District residents, we provide community and economic development services to the local municipalities within each county.
The Central Arkansas Planning and Development District is led by Executive Director Rodney Larsen.
CAPDD is an “equal opportunity employer/program,” and “auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to Individuals with disabilities.” Arkansas Relay Service: 1-800-285-1121 (Voice) 1-800-285-1131 (TDD) or TDD 711. Equal Opportunity Officer- Tina Roush (501) 676-2721 tina.roush@capdd.org
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