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Washington, DC – Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and U.S. Representatives Marion Berry (AR-01), Vic Snyder (AR-02), and Mike Ross (AR-04) today announced more than $7.3 million for economic development projects across Arkansas. The funds, provided through the Community Development Block Grant program, are among the state’s first allocations from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 passed by Congress earlier this month.
“These funds will significantly contribute to the economic development and growth of our communities,” said Lincoln. “Funding provided by the economic recovery bill will help put Arkansans back to work and strengthen our communities over the long run. I look forward to further federal investments that will add to our state’s economic security.”
“These grants are often the most effective way to address a community’s most urgent needs. I’m pleased the recovery package ensures Arkansas will have this $7 million power tool at its disposal to help struggling families stay afloat during tough economic times,” said Pryor.
“This funding from the recently passed economic recovery act will go directly to local communities across Arkansas and provide them with resources to create jobs and opportunities for economic development,” said Berry. “The projects that will be supported will go a long way in strengthening communities so that they are able to come out of this economic downturn stronger than before.”
“To restore America’s economic strength, we must make long-term investments in our local communities,” said Snyder. “Community development will help us rebuild as our nation recovers from a weakened economy. I am pleased that Arkansas communities are receiving this funding to assist in a wide range of unique community development needs.”
“We are facing the toughest economic times since the Great Depression and the benefits from the President’s economic recovery and job creation bill are already taking shape here in Arkansas,” said Ross. “These critical federal investments will help countless working families in Arkansas get back on their feet and will help community leaders fund important projects in our schools and neighborhoods, boosting economic development for everyone.”
The CDBG program enables local governments to undertake a wide range of activities intended to create suitable living environments, provide decent affordable housing, and create economic opportunities, primarily for persons of low and moderate income. Past projects in Arkansas have expanded home ownership opportunities, supported libraries and community centers, assisted afterschool programs, and revitalized declining neighborhoods.
CDBG funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act were awarded to jurisdictions that received FY 2008 CDBG grants. Grantees must prepare an amendment to their approved FY 2008 CDBG action plan outlining their proposals for use of the additional funds.
Recipients of the funding are:
City of Bentonville $49,442
City of Conway $113,389
City of Fayetteville $172,702
City of Fort Smith $223,294
City of Hot Springs $106,461
City of Jacksonville $73,103
City of Jonesboro $148,073
City of Little Rock $446,096
City of North Little Rock $203,900
City of Pine Bluff $196,339
City of Rogers $112,168
City of Springdale $138,369
City of Texarkana $85,529
City of West Memphis $113,262
State of Arkansas $5,144,608
TOTAL $7,326,735
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