News from the

United States Congress

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2005
 

Berry Secures Federal Designation to Merge Jonesboro and Paragould
 
WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Marion Berry (D-AR) announced today that he was able to secure a Combined Statistical Area designation for Jonesboro and Paragould to help the region attract new businesses and secure more federal funding for economic development projects. The designation, one of only two granted by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) this year, is often used by federal agencies to determine eligibility for federal grant programs.

 

"This new designation opens so many doors for our region," said Congressman Berry. "Businesses will pay more attention to the Jonesboro and Paragould areas and the government will start investing more money into our community for new roads, infrastructure, and other development needs."

 

A Combined Statistical Area merges a Metropolitan Statistical Area like Jonesboro and a Micropolitan Statistical Area like Greene County based on the level of shared employment and commuting between the two areas. Although OMB uses the designations for statistical purposes, the federal government may use funding formulas on the designations. By securing a combined designation for Jonesboro and Paragould, the region has a greater chance of securing additional funds for development projects.

 

"We have worked on this designation a long time and finally have a reason to celebrate," said Congressman Berry. "Now the rest of the world knows Jonesboro and Paragould are on the rise with plenty of opportunities for growth and development."

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