The Economic Development Administration within the U.S. Department of Commerce awarded Arkansas State University $98,500 to fund an Economic Development Administration University Center to provide technical assistance and promote economic development throughout Eastern Arkansas.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program has awarded one grant and one loan to area programs:

• A $1.2 million loan has been issued to the White River Area Agency on Aging in Independence County to complete construction of the Eagle Mountain Retirement Center (an assisted living center). White River received an earlier loan for $2.6 million, however construction costs have increased and the USDA has met those needs with this second loan.

• Due to hydrogen sulfide found in Cleburne County’s water, a $40,000 water and waste disposal grant was distributed to cover the cost of adding aeration to the water treatment process in Wilburn, AR.