WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Arkansas will receive more than $427,042 in rural development project grants from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Representative Marion Berry (D-AR, 1^st) and Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor announced today.

Several counties in the first district will receive funds for projects ranging from purchasing police and fire equipment to improvements to city halls to the construction of community centers.

Clay County

·                    $45,750 to construct a fire station to house fire equipment and vehicles; a loan of $28,900 has also been approved for this project

Crittenden County

·                    $17,976 to purchase a fully equipped vehicle to aid the police department in protecting the citizens of Earle and the surrounding area

Lawrence County

·                    $70,000 to purchase the site for and the construction of the Ravenden Community Center; a loan of $172,000 has also been approved for this project

Lee County

·                    $34,486 to purchase police vehicles

Monroe County

·                    $34,969 to purchase two police vehicles

·                    $17,037 to help aid the police department in protecting the citizens of Clarendon and surrounding areas

·                    $11,114 to purchase police equipment

·                    $61,148 to replace the roof on the community building

Mississippi County

·                    $50,000 to renovate and remodel the old school cafeteria into a community center, water office and city hall

St. Francis County

·                    $48,820 to renovate the city hall in order to meet accessibility requirements

Woodruff County

·                    $35,742 to purchase two police vehicles