The U.S. Department of Labor announced a $1.5 million funding opportunity available to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to develop partnerships with community-based organizations and other non-profits to conduct outreach to women workers to help them understand and exercise their rights and benefits in the workplace. The fund will support up to six grants. Administered by the department’s Women’s Bureau and the Employment and Training Administration, the Fostering Access, Rights and Equity grants are designed to help low-wage women workers. “The pandemic exposed the current system’s failure to protect or serve women workers adequately, especially low-paid women and workers of color,” said Women’s Bureau Director Wendy Chun-Hoon. “The Fostering Access, Rights and Equity partnerships will inform women about their labor rights and benefits. They will also help ensure that women workers share in the prosperity of the nation’s economic recovery.” Applicants must provide one or more of the following services: Providing outreach to vulnerable, low-income and marginalized women workers. Disseminating educational materials through varied platforms, including social media, in-person or virtual events, brochures and leaflets, one-on-one consultations and other outreach. Assisting women workers with navigating and calculating benefits and connecting and referring women workers to additional services, benefits and/or legal assistance. Raising awareness of women’s rights to benefits and assistance in their own communities. For further information about this funding opportunity, please contact Andrea Hill, grants management specialist, Office of Grants Management, at Hill.Andrea@dol.gov -please reference FOA-WB-21-02 and along with question(s), include a contact name, fax, and phone number. Learn more about FARE grants and how to apply. Contact Andrea Hill at hill.andrea@dol.gov for more information. (please reference FOA-WB-21-02 and along with question(s), include a contact name, fax, and phone number.) Apply by July 15, 2021.

According to the Airports Council International-North America, there are roughly 500 commercial airports in the United States, and the organization estimates that the epidemic would cost the industry more than $40 billion by next March. The money helps eligible commercial, reliever, and general aviation airports with their finances. The funds will be used to reimburse operational expenditures, debt service payments, and costs associated with preventing the spread of infections at the airport. Airports can also utilize the funds to grant rent relief to in-terminal retail and concession businesses. The funding requires airports to retain at least 90% of their pre-pandemic workers for those airports that serve the majority of the traveling public. Several hundred airports will receive grants, according to the FAA, including these in Arkansas:

The United States Department of Agriculture announced  that it will pay nearly $6 billion in additional aid to farmers, ranchers, and others who work in agriculture. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the Pandemic Assistance Program has $6 billion in funds available to assist a variety of new programs or to alter existing operations. The funds will be distributed over the following 60 days, he said, in order to fill up the gaps left by the previous round of assistance, which was directed at small and medium-sized farmers that needed the most help. Payments from the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) will help producers and enterprises that have been left behind. In a news release, Vilsack stated, "USDA is following its pledge to get financial support to growers and essential agricultural businesses, especially those left out or underserved by earlier COVID aid." “These USDA Pandemic Assistance initiatives will assist our food, agriculture, and forestry industries in getting back on track and planning for the future.” Some of the funding were directed to the agribusiness industries listed below. • $200 million: Small, family-owned timber harvesting and hauling businesses • $700 million: Biofuels producers • Support for dairy farmers and processors to include $400 million for a new Dairy Donation Program to address food insecurity and mitigate food waste and loss, additional pandemic payments targeted to dairy farmers who have demonstrated losses that have not been covered by previous pandemic assistance, and approximately $580 million for supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage for small and medium farms. • Assistance for poultry and livestock producers left out of previous rounds of pandemic assistance to include contract growers of poultry and livestock and poultry producers forced to euthanize animals during the pandemic (March 1, 2020 through Dec. 26, 2020). • $700 million: Pandemic Response and Safety Grants for PPE and other protective measures to help specialty crop growers, meat packers and processors, seafood industry workers, among others • Up to $20 million: Additional organic cost share assistance, including for producers who are transitioning to organic “We have more work to do with our farming and ranching families every opportunity to earn a good living,” Vilsack said. “As the economy improves, USDA will ensure that American agriculture is ready to capitalize on the opportunity.” For contract poultry farms who have been directly touched by the pandemic and slower production runs at chicken processing factories, the release was light on details. Tyson Foods, based in Springdale, said its operations were working at about 80% capacity due to worker absence. According to Mark Lambert, an agri-economist with the Arkansas Farm Bureau, this has resulted in lengthier layout times between flocks for many growers. According to the Arkansas Farm Bureau, the state of Arkansas contains around 2,400 broiler farms. A booming turkey business in the state employs 4,154 people and supports 7,857 additional jobs through contract farmers and farm services for Cargill and Butterball. The House Chicken Caucus in Washington is co-chaired by U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers. The group recently petitioned Vilsack to intervene on behalf of contract growers and agriculture producers who were not included in the stimulus package. The caucus led a bipartisan effort to expedite the request for more direct payments on behalf of contract growers.

In response to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, small business owners, including agricultural businesses, and nonprofit organizations in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories can apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). The EIDL program, administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), is designed to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue due to Covid-19. An EIDL can help you meet necessary financial obligations that your business or private, non-profit organization could have met had the pandemic not occurred. Who is eligible to apply for the Covid-19 EIDL? According to the SBA, in order to apply for coronavirus-related EIDL, applicants must be physically located in the U.S. or designated territory and suffered working capital losses due to the coronavirus pandemic. Eligible applicants include: Businesses with 500 or fewer employees or defined as small per SBA’s Size Standards Cooperatives with 500 or fewer employees Agricultural enterprises with 500 or fewer employees Most private nonprofits Faith-based organizations Sole proprietorships and independent contractors How do I apply for the Covid-19 EIDL Loan? To apply, visit the SBA’s COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application page and complete all requested information. For help completing your application or to check the status of your application, you can call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955. You may still apply for the Covid-19 EIDL if you have already received a Paycheck Protection Program loan, however funds from both loans cannot be used for the same purpose. Each business may only apply for a Covid-19 EIDL once. Fast Facts about the Covid-19 EIDL If you are applying for a loan over $25,000 in value, collateral is required for a business to obtain that loan. The SBA uses a general security agreement (UCC) designating business assets as collateral, such as machinery and equipment. EIDL loans are not forgivable and have a maturity rate of 30 years. Payments are deferred one year, but borrowers may make payments if they chose to do so. Interest will still accrue. The loan terms for EIDL are as follows: 3.75% for businesses (fixed) 2.75% for nonprofits (fixed) 30 years No pre-payment penalty or fees

We know that, after the year we’ve had, we're all ready to enjoy the summer as we approach Memorial Day Weekend. But, before we go out to celebrate, we'd like to take a moment to thank those who have given their lives for this country while serving in our Armed Forces. They gave up all so that we might continue to live in a country where our rights are protected and our goals are achievable. We are all grateful to them. Here at the Central Arkansas Workforce Development Area, we can work to improve people’s lives because our values endure -- thanks to those who died to defend them. Let Memorial Day be a time to reflect on our blessings and recognize those who serve to protect our country and freedom. We will be eternally grateful for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States of America. May their bravery and dedication not be forgotten. Please note that our offices will be closed May 31, 2021 in observation of Memorial Day and we will resume normal business hours on June 1, 2021.

A second required public hearing concerning the implementation of an Arkansas Community and Economic and Development Program (ACEDP) grant on behalf of the City of Lonoke for the MKT Fastening Project to purchase IT Equipment, will be held at Lonoke City Hall, 107 W. Second St., Lonoke, AR 72086 on Monday, May 10, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. The purpose of this hearing is to inform citizens of the current scope and progress of the ACEDP project; discuss any changes or impacts involving financing sources, user fees or beneficiaries that have occurred since the first public hearing conducted on July 22, 2020; accept oral and written comments regarding the project; and, discuss any potential impacts upon citizens that may/will result during the course of the project. All residents of City of Lonoke are encouraged to attend this hearing and participate in the community development process. Individuals requiring physical or sensory accommodations including interpreter service, Braille, large print, or recorded materials, please contact Regina Ibbotson at the Lonoke City Hall, 107 W. 2nd St., Lonoke, AR (501) 676-6123 by 4:30pm no later than May 6, 2021. Accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and non-English speaking individuals provided that 3 day notice is received by City of Lonoke.

The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, and amended by the American Rescue Plan Act. The program includes over $16 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance. Eligible applicants may qualify for grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees. Who can apply? Eligible entities include: Live venue operators or promoters Theatrical producers Live performing arts organization operators Museum operators Motion picture theater operators (including owners) Talent representatives Other requirements of note: Must have been in operation as of February 29, 2020 Venue or promoter who received a PPP loan on or after December 27, 2020, will have the SVOG reduced by the PPP loan amount Grant amount Grant amounts will reflect either of the following instances: For an eligible entity in operation on January 1, 2019, grants will be for an amount equal to 45% of their 2019 gross earned revenue OR $10 million, whichever is less. For an eligible entity that began operation after January 1, 2019, grants will be for the average monthly gross earned revenue for each full month you were in operation during 2019 multiplied by six (6) OR $10 million, whichever is less. Apply Now

A second required public hearing concerning the implementation of an Arkansas Community and Economic and Development Program (ACEDP) grant for Lonoke County Wade Knox Child Advocacy Center Building Expansion and Renovation Project will be held at the Office of Emergency Management, Lonoke County Courthouse Annex, 200 North Center Street., Lonoke, AR 72086, on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. The purpose of this hearing is to inform citizens of the current scope and progress of the ACEDP project; discuss any changes or impacts involving financing sources, user fees or beneficiaries that have occurred since the first public hearing conducted on February 21, 2019; accept oral and written comments regarding the project; and, discuss any potential impacts upon citizens that may/will result during the course of the project. All residents of Lonoke County are encouraged to attend this hearing and participate in the community development process.

A second Zoom required public hearing concerning the implementation of an Arkansas Community and Economic and Development Program (ACEDP) grant for University of Arkansas Medical Sciences to assist with operating costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic will be held on Monday, April 26th, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. To join the Zoom public hearing use the following information: Meeting ID: 868 4277 0192 Access Code: 694935 The purpose of this hearing is to inform citizens of the current scope and progress of the ACEDP project; discuss any changes or impacts involving financing sources, user fees or beneficiaries that have occurred since the first public hearing that was conducted on June 2, 2020; accept oral and written comments regarding the project; and, discuss any potential impacts upon citizens that may/will result during the course of the project. All residents of Pulaski County are encouraged to attend the hearing and participate in the community development process. Individuals requiring physical or sensory accommodations including interpreter service, Braille, large print, or recorded materials, please contact Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde at (501) 340-8305 no later than April 21st, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. Accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and non-English speaking individuals provided this 3-day notice is received by Pulaski County.

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) announced today the launch of the Delta Broadband Mapping Project, an initiative aimed at strengthening broadband infrastructure that supports telehealth, distance learning, and remote work throughout the 252 counties and parishes of the eight-state DRA region. The initiative encourages residents to participate in the free, anonymous Delta Speed Test, conducted through an innovative crowd-sharing platform that collects and analyzes data in real time. The gathered information will inform and support strategic investments in critical infrastructure that will expand the availability of high-quality internet access across the region. “Broadband is essential infrastructure that is often lacking, especially in rural areas of the Delta region,” said DRA Spokeswoman Shawna Blair. “The Delta Broadband Mapping Project allows our state partners to accurately identify digital divides and ultimately obtain state and federal resources dedicated to broadband expansion projects. In less than one minute, Arkansans can take the Delta Speed Test and help state and local leaders understand the internet capabilities within their communities.” Arkansas residents are encouraged to participate in the Delta Speed Test by visiting dra.gov/speedtest. In addition to seeing their own upload and download speeds, participants will help policy makers identify gaps in high-quality, affordable internet access throughout the region. “The Delta Broadband Mapping Project will allow Arkansas to better identify high-speed broadband needs throughout the state,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. "Over the past year, we have seen how critical it is that all Arkansans have broadband access, and we’re excited for this new project to help us pinpoint opportunities for expansion.” “Accurate broadband mapping is a critical key to reducing the digital divide in Arkansas,” said Steven Porch, Executive Broadband Manager for the Arkansas Rural Connect Program. “Knowing where to focus resources is important for rural development and economic growth.” The Delta Speed Test can be taken from any device that has an internet or cellular connection to your home Wi-Fi signal. The test takes less than one minute to complete, and no personal information will be collected. To participate, a device must be connected to your home internet service and disconnected from a virtual private network (VPN) that may be connected to a workplace or school. For the most accurate results, ensure that no one else connected to your home internet is using a substantial portion of the internet bandwidth for activities such as streaming video or gaming during the test. Individuals without internet access in their home can visit their local library or other locations such as stores and restaurants that offer free internet access to submit the address of a home with no available service. DRA is partnering with geospatial engineering firm GEO Partners LLC to obtain actionable data. To see images of the Delta Speed Test in-progress, visit dra.gov/research/broadband-mapping/. For more information about the Delta Broadband Mapping Project, visit dra.gov/speedtest. About the Delta Regional Authority The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is a federal-state partnership created by Congress in 2000 to promote and encourage the economic development of the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions. DRA invests in projects supporting transportation infrastructure, basic public infrastructure, workforce training, and business development. DRA’s mission is to help create jobs, build communities, and improve the lives of those who reside in the 252 counties and parishes of the eight-state region.

A second required public hearing concerning the implementation of an Arkansas Community and Economic and Development Program (ACEDP) grant for City of Des Arc Turn Out Suit Grant will be held at Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at Des Arc City Hall, 107 S. 3rd St., Des, Arc, AR 72040 at 5:30p.m. The purpose of this hearing is to inform citizens of the current scope and progress of the ACEDP project; discuss any changes or impacts involving financing sources, user fees or beneficiaries that have occurred since the first public hearing conducted on July 21, 2020; accept oral and written comments regarding the project; and, discuss any potential impacts upon citizens that may/will result during the course of the project. All residents of the City of Des Arc are encouraged to attend the hearing and participate in the community development process. The City of Des Arc will provide technical assistance in developing proposals by groups representing low- and moderate-income persons. Individuals requiring physical or sensory accommodations including interpreter service, Braille, large print, or recorded materials, please contact Jim Garth at Des Arc City Hall, 107 S. 3rd St., Des Arc, AR 72040; (870) 256-4316 no later than April 16th. Accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and non-English speaking individuals provided that (number) day notice is received by the City of Des Arc.

If you are a small business owner or a qualified agricultural businesses in the U.S. states and territories, you may be eligible to apply for a low-interest loan. The Biden administration is increasing pandemic assistance for small businesses and is tripling the maximum amount that businesses and nonprofits can borrow under its COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans program. The increase starts April 6, when the loan limit for loans will jump from six months of economic injury with a maximum loan of $150,000 to up to 24 months of injury at a $500,000 maximum. Some loans approved prior to the week of April 6, 2021 will be eligible for an increase based on new loan maximum amounts announced March 24, 2021. Businesses that received a loan subject to current loan limit do not need to submit a request for an increase at this time. SBA will reach out directly via email closer to the April 6, 2021 implementation date to provide more details about how businesses can request an increase. If an applicant accepted a loan for less than the full amount originally offered, the application will have up to two years after the date of the loan promissory note to request to request additional funds. Applicants may continue to request additional funds even after the application deadline of December 31, 2021. To find out more about about this loan, please visit the U.S. Small Business Administration.

by Arkansas Business A partnership involving Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield has launched VaccinateArkansas.com, a site for employers to get information and resources about COVID-19 vaccines in Arkansas. The website is part of the statewide "Vaccinate the Natural State" initiative announced last month, which aims to educate Arkansans about the benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine and encourage them to get it soon. The partnership includes Blue Cross & Blue Shield, the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care, the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas, the Northwest Arkansas Council and Walmart Inc. of Bentonville. The aim of VaccinateArkansas.com is to empower business leaders to encourage employees to be vaccinated, officials said. Vaccine success is the key to protecting the workforce from the virus and speeding the economic recovery in Arkansas, supporters said. To support state businesses and communities, the site “provides objective information and educational resources such as video modules, communication toolkits, and outreach to help guide businesses in communications as more COVID-19 vaccines are made available,” the news release said. The initiative was designed to arm employers with the knowledge to guide their employees through the vaccination process, officials said. "Arkansas' business leaders play a vital role providing COVID-19 vaccine information to their employees," Arkansas Blue Cross CEO and President Curtis Barnett said. "Through these resources, we want to empower employers to provide accurate and helpful information while encouraging their workforces to get the vaccine. "Business-to-business engagement is a primary focus for the Vaccinate the Natural State initiative, and our statewide communities will benefit when Arkansas businesses choose to take action in the fight against COVID-19." “The Northwest Arkansas Council is proud to serve as a partner on this initiative to ensure as many Arkansans as possible get vaccinated for COVID-19,” said Nelson Peacock, president and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council. “The Vaccinate Arkansas website serves as a valuable resource for businesses to ensure their employees have the most up-to-date information on the vaccine safety and availability.” The site also hosts the Power Over Pandemic Pledge, where business leaders can commit to their organizations joining the Vaccinate the Natural State movement. The pledge reads: "As an Arkansas employer and business leader, our company is committed to helping fight COVID-19 and will do our part to end the pandemic. We pledge to: "Lead by example by receiving the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as we are able, and encourage all employees to do the same "Strongly encourage all medically eligible employees and others in our organization to receive a COVID-19 vaccine "Provide the resources our employees need to make an informed decision in favor of being vaccinated, and "Make receiving a vaccine as easy as possible for those in our organization."

The Central Arkansas Planning and Development District would like to thank all of our Cities and County government agencies, public safety stakeholders, community partners, the Faulkner County Office of Emergency Management, and the general public for their participation and feedback on the Faulkner County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan is multi-jurisdictional with a planning area that includes all of unincorporated Faulkner County and the municipalities within the County including the Cities of Conway, Damascus, Enola, Greenbrier, Guy, Holland, Mayflower, Mt. Vernon, Twin Groves, Vilonia and Wooster. This plan also includes the School Districts of Conway, Greenbrier, Guy-Perkins, Mayflower, Mount Vernon-Enola and Vilonia. It also includes Central Baptist College, Hendrix University and University of Central Arkansas. We received the official approval from FEMA on March 11, 2021. The updated plan is valid until March 11, 2026.

CLARKSDALE, MS—The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) opened the 2021 funding cycle for the States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP). SEDAP provides direct investments into community-based and regional projects to support basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, workforce development, and small business development with an emphasis on entrepreneurship. Under federal law, at least 75 percent of DRA funds must be invested in economically distressed counties and parishes. “The Delta Regional Authority’s mission is to help create jobs, build communities, and improve the lives of the 10 million people who reside in the 252 counties and parishes of the eight-state DRA region,” said DRA Spokeswoman Shawna Blair. “Through SEDAP funding, DRA upholds our mission by providing targeted community development investments essential for regional sustainability and economic growth.” In 2020, DRA invested over $27.9 million into 94 projects throughout the eight-state DRA region. The investment was matched by an additional $491.8 million in other public and private sector dollars and are expected to create or retain 10,344 jobs, train 9,471 individuals, and affect 73,260 families. Communities and organizations are encouraged to work with their Local Development District (LDD) offices to prepare and submit SEDAP applications. To apply, please visit funding.dra.gov. The deadline to submit applications is June 6, 2021. All necessary information for application consideration can be found in the 2021 SEDAP Manual. Additional information on state-specific funding allocations, funding eligibility requirements and guidelines, and contact information for local development districts are available here.

"The Central Arkansas Planning and Development District in Lonoke learned to simplify the application process to attract small businesses that could use the organization's revolving loan fund. "We're finally getting some traction in the past week or so of working with many organizations and leaders to get the word out," said Trevor Villines, regional economic disaster economic recovery coordinator for the organization, which serves Pulaski, Saline, Faulkner, Lonoke, Monroe and Prairie counties. That wasn't the case just a week or so ago as the district struggled to bring in applicants for the $910,000 available through federal coronavirus relief. The revolving loan fund is supplied by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, which is part of the Commerce Department, to bolster small businesses that have lost profits or suffered economic harm because of the pandemic. "Money is available for any business that is finding it hard to make it through covid," Villines said. The district found that simplifying the entry process was key to boosting interest. Rather than introducing potential borrowers to a 30-page application, the district offered a simpler, self-check eligibility list that allowed those interested in a loan to determine if they were even eligible. The form can be downloaded from the district's website and completed in a manner of minutes. "That simplification really turned everything around," Villines said. "It just made the eligibility and the application process so much easier. People were just overwhelmed with a 30-page application and they just didn't know where to start." Loans are similar to the more notable, and popular, Paycheck Protection Program though there are major differences -- the biggest being that payments are not forgiven. Borrowers under the revolving loan fund are obligated to repay the proceeds. Businesses with up to 300 employees can borrow a maximum of $100,000, with an interest rate of 3%, and have up to five years to repay the loan. Financial assistance can cover a variety of expenses, including working capital, lease payments, payroll shortage, existing real estate, equipment, building renovations and technology upgrades. Any profitable small business in any economic sector that has been in operation for two years can apply for funding. There's plenty of money and time to apply -- funding is available until August 2022 unless it runs out first. The district still has more than $700,000 available. Go to www.capdd.org/cares-act-rlf for more information." Source: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2021/feb/07/simplifying-applications-for-covid-aid-loans/

A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. at Des Arc City Hall, 107 S. 3rd St., Des Arc, AR 72040 for the purpose of identifying and prioritizing the community needs of City of Des Arc, determining whether an application for Arkansas Community and Economic Development Program (ACEDP) funds should be developed and if so, for what community need. Also, comments on proposed project activities will be discussed, especially those with possible impacts on the community, should the project receive funding. ACEDP funds are federal assistance received by the State of Arkansas and administered by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. These funds will be made available to cities and counties according to need and can be used for community facilities, public infrastructure, or economic development, but must address one of the following objectives: 1. Provide benefit to low and moderate income families, 2. Aid in the prevention of slum and blight, or 3. Meet other community needs, which pose a serious, immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community where no other funding is available to meet such needs. All residents of City of Des Arc are encouraged to attend the hearing and participate in the community development process. The City of Des Arc will provide technical assistance in developing proposals by groups representing low- and moderate-income persons. Individuals requiring physical or sensory accommodations including interpreter service, Braille, large print, or recorded materials, please contact Jim Garth at Des Arc City Hall, 107 S. 3rd St., Des Arc, AR 72040; (870) 256-4316 no later than February 11th. Accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and non-English speaking individuals provided that (number) day notice is received by the City of Des Arc.

A public hearing will be held on February 15, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at the Keo City Hall located at 226 Main Street, Keo, AR 72083 for the purpose of identifying and prioritizing the community needs of the City of Keo, determining whether an application for Arkansas Community and Economic Development Program (ACEDP) funds should be developed and if so, for what community need. Also, comments on proposed project activities will be discussed, especially those with possible impacts on the community, should the project receive funding. ACEDP funds are federal assistance received by the State of Arkansas and administered by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. These funds will be made available to cities and counties according to need and can be used for community facilities, public infrastructure, or economic development, but must address one of the following objectives: 1. Provide benefit to low and moderate income families, 2. Aid in the prevention of slum and blight, or 3. Meet other community needs, which pose a serious, immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community where no other funding is available to meet such needs. All residents of the City of Keo are encouraged to attend the hearing and participate in the community development process. The City of Keo will provide technical assistance in developing proposals by groups representing low- and moderate-income persons. The meeting will also be available by zoom – Meeting ID: 849 0390 2069 Passcode 7RakZv. Individuals requiring physical or sensory accommodations including interpreter service, Braille, large print, or recorded materials, please contact Leigh Ann Pool at 902 N. Center Street, Lonoke, AR 72086 PH# 501-676-2721 no later than 2/8/2021. Accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and non-English speaking individuals provided that seven-day notice is received by the City of Keo .

A public hearing will be held on February 22, 2021 at 6:15 p.m. at the Cabot Event Center located at 508 N. Lincoln St., Cabot, AR 72023 for the purpose of identifying and prioritizing the community needs of the City of Cabot, determining whether an application for Arkansas Community and Economic Development Program (ACEDP) funds should be developed and if so, for what community need. Also, comments on proposed project activities will be discussed, especially those with possible impacts on the community, should the project receive funding. ACEDP funds are federal assistance received by the State of Arkansas and administered by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. These funds will be made available to cities and counties according to need and can be used for community facilities, public infrastructure, or economic development, but must address one of the following objectives: 1. Provide benefit to low and moderate income families, 2. Aid in the prevention of slum and blight, or 3. Meet other community needs, which pose a serious, immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community where no other funding is available to meet such needs. All residents of the City of Cabot are encouraged to attend the hearing and participate in the community development process. The City of Cabot will provide technical assistance in developing proposals by groups representing low- and moderate-income persons. The meeting will also be available on FaceBook Live through the City of Cabot FaceBook Page. Written comments can be submitted via email to Leigh Pool until 4:30 pm, March 2, 2021 or within this thread. Individuals requiring physical or sensory accommodations including interpreter service, Braille, large print, or recorded materials, please contact Leigh Ann Pool at 902 N. Center Street, Lonoke, AR 72086 PH# 501-676-2721 no later than 2/15/2021. Accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and non-English speaking individuals provided that seven-day notice is received by the City of Cabot .

The Central Arkansas Planning and Development District would like to thank all of our Cities and County government agencies, public safety stakeholders, community partners, the Pulaski County Office of Emergency Management, and the general public for their participation and feedback on the Pulaski County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan is multi-jurisdictional with a planning area that includes all of unincorporated Pulaski County and the municipalities within the County including the Cities of Cammack Village, Jacksonville, Little Rock, Maumelle, North Little Rock, Sherwood and Wrightsville. This plan also includes the School Districts of Jacksonville-North Pulaski, Little Rock, North Little Rock, Pulaski County Special, Arkansas School for the Blind and Arkansas School for the Deaf. We received the official approval from FEMA on January 19, 2021. The updated plan is valid until January 19, 2026.

"The Small Business Administration is reopening the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) next week for both new and existing borrowers. In this new round of financing, there will be $284 billion available through March 31, 2021. This additional PPP financing is made possible through of the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act, which is part of the $900 billion Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 that was signed into law by President Donald Trump on Dec. 27, 2020. Of the total PPP loan amount, $105 billion has been set aside for specific borrowers and lenders. The largest set-aside is $35 billion for new first-draw PPP borrowers. There will also be set-asides of $15 and $25 billion for first and second draw PPP loans for employers with 10 or fewer employers or from loans less than $250,000 for borrowers in “low-or moderate-income neighborhoods.” Community financial lenders have received a set-aside for $15 billion for first and second draw PPP loans, and Insured Depository Institutions, credit unions and farm credit system institutions with consolidated assets of less than $10 billion will also receive a $15 billion set-aside. “The historically successful Paycheck Protection Program served as an economic lifeline to millions of small businesses and their employees when they needed it most,” SBA administrator Jovita Carranza said in a statement. “Today’s guidance builds on the success of the program and adapts to the changing needs of small business owners by providing targeted relief and a simpler forgiveness process to ensure their path to recovery.” The SBA is aiming to increase the impact of the new PPP loan period by providing guidance to increase minority, underserved, veteran and women-owned businesses’ access to capital. Once the PPP lending window opens on Monday, Jan. 11, the SBA will limit first draw PPP loan applications to community financial institutions for at least the first two days. This is designed to promote increased access to capital. In addition, the SBA will be dedicating time for processing and assisting the smallest PPP lenders with loans. Under the new PPP guidelines, businesses will be able to set their loan coverage period between eight and 24 weeks and will be able to use the loans to cover more expenses, including operation expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs and worker protection costs. Select employers that have previously received a PPP loan will be able receive a “Second Draw” PPP loan. This second loan can be up to $2 million. To qualify for a Second Draw PPP loan, employers must have no more than 300 employees and can demonstrate that their company has had at least a 25 percent reduction in gross receipts from the comparable quarterly periods in 2019 and 2020. According to figures from the SBA, in the initial round of PPP funding, 87 percent of PPP loans were for $150,000 or less, and “more than 70 percent” of the loans went to businesses with fewer than 10 employees. The average loan size was $101,000. Rural small businesses received approximately 15 percent of the total PPP loan amount during the first round, and small businesses in “Historically Underutilizes Business Zones” (HUBZones) received roughly $130 billion in loans, or more than 25 percent of the PPP total." SOURCE

Press Release: December 29, 2020 Contact: Treasury Public Affairs, (202) 622-2960 WASHINGTON – Today, the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service will begin delivering a second round of Economic Impact Payments to millions of Americans as part of the implementation of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021. The initial direct deposit payments may begin arriving as early as tonight for some and will continue into next week. Paper checks will begin to be mailed tomorrow, Wednesday, December 30. This second round of payments will provide critical economic support to those who, through no fault of their own, have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Treasury and the IRS are working with unprecedented speed to issue a second round of Economic Impact Payments to eligible Americans and their families,” said Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. “These payments are an integral part of our commitment to providing vital additional economic relief to the American people during this unprecedented time.” Eligible individuals will receive an Economic Impact Payment of up to $600 for individuals or $1200 for married couples and up to $600 for each qualifying child. Generally, if you have adjusted gross income for 2019 up to $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns and surviving spouses, you will receive the full amount of the second payment. For filers with income above those amounts, the payment amount is reduced. This second round of payments will be distributed automatically, with no action required for eligible individuals. If additional legislation is enacted to provide for an increased amount, Economic Impact Payments that have been issued will be topped up as quickly as possible. The swift issuance of this second round of payments follows the successful delivery of more than $270 billion in CARES Act Economic Impact Payments earlier this year, providing crucial economic support to nearly 160 million Americans. Later this week, you may check the status of your payment at IRS.gov/GetMyPayment. For more information about Economic Impact Payments, please visit IRS.gov/EIP.

The COVID-19 pandemic has already had an effect on the local economy and many local businesses in the State of Arkansas. The Central Arkansas Planning & Development District (CAPDD) is hoping they can help small businesses and companies in the Central Arkansas region navigate through the crisis. In efforts to provide as many resources available to local government and local businesses, CAPDD has compiled a list of regional, statewide, and nationwide webinars scheduled for November & December of 2020 that will focus on learning about cutting edge business ideas, resource opportunities, and a chance to hear from the Arkansas Federal delegation. By sharing resources like these, CAPDD hopes it can help small businesses survive the pandemic. Please note the information on these webinars is being provided solely for awareness purposes and CAPDD does not endorse the information or organization offering the event. Additionally, if you would like to add a webinar to this list or if you have questions regarding the webinars on the list, please email trevor.villines@capdd.org. November-December 2020 Webinar List - Updated 12/1/2020

The City of Conway will submit a Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant application to the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management and FEMA for the purpose of updating for the purpose of developing a Drainage Study of the downtown area of the City of Conway. The grant application may be viewed at the Central Arkansas Planning and Development (CAPDD) office at the address below. Written comments may be sent to: Attention: Leigh Pool CAPDD P. O. Box 300 Lonoke, AR 72086 Written comments will be accepted and forwarded to the funding agency from November 18- November 30. Questions regarding the above may be directed to Leigh Pool at 501-676-2721 or leigh.pool@capdd.org.

Saline County will submit a Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant application to the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management and FEMA for the purpose of updating the Saline County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The grant application may be viewed at the Central Arkansas Planning and Development (CAPDD) office at the address below. Written comments may be sent to: Attention: Leigh Pool CAPDD P. O. Box 300 Lonoke, AR 72086. Written comments will be accepted and forwarded to the funding agency from November 18- November 30. Questions regarding the above may be directed to Leigh Pool at 501-676-2721 or leigh.pool@capdd.org.