Governor Sarah Sanders and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission announced more than $12.52 million in funding for Arkansas cities, counties, and communities.
Eight-eight (88) grants, totaling $12,522,736, were awarded during the latest grant cycle. The funding was provided through the General Assistance and Rural Services Block Grant set-asides of the State Small Cities Community Development Block Grant, and State Rural Community Grant programs.
“Arkansas’ success starts with our local communities,” said Governor Sanders. “The places that shape our towns and cities are often the ones that define them – a park, walking trail, community center, safer street. These funds help local leaders build those places that bring neighbors together, improve quality of life, and build on what Arkansans already know: there is no better place in America to live, work, and raise a family than the Natural State.”
State CDBG funds are utilized for a variety of public facility and infrastructure projects, including senior centers; childcare centers; public health facilities; youth centers; residential water and wastewater; street, curb, gutter, sidewalk, or storm sewer; and flood control and drainage projects; as well as towards economic development grants incentivizing the location or expansion of jobs in the state. Funds are awarded on an annual basis with counties and municipalities also allocating resources to meet urgent needs and to benefit low- and moderate-income persons.
The Rural Services Block Grant program funds new construction or renovation of community centers, fire stations, or multi-purpose buildings, as well as the purchase of fire trucks and fire equipment. Applicants from incorporated towns of less than 3,000 in population and unincorporated rural areas with low to moderate incomes of 51 percent or higher are eligible for up to $100,000 in funds under the program with a 10 percent match.
The Rural Community Grant Program is used to fund projects such as fire trucks, fire protection equipment, community centers, storm sirens, community parks, and walking trails. Applicants from incorporated towns of less than 3,000 in population and unincorporated rural areas are eligible for up to $15,000 in 50/50 matching funds under the program.
“The Division of Rural Services and the Rural Development Commission are proud to present recipients of the Rural Community Grant and the Rural Services Block Grant for fiscal year 2026,” said Becca Caldwell, director of AEDC’s Division of Rural Services. “These grant programs are essential for the development of rural Arkansas as they help communities improve their quality of life, address safety concerns, and improve infrastructure. The Division of Rural Services is committed to help set up our rural communities to thrive.”
View the full list of recipients and awards below:
Rural Community Grant Program
Altus Fire Department
$15,000.00
Atkins Volunteer Fire Department
$15,000.00
Bradley Fire Department
$15,000.00
Carlisle Fire Department
$15,000.00
Cato Volunteer Fire Department
$15,000.00
Charleston Fire Department
$7,500.00
City Of Bay
$15,000.00
City of Cedarville
$5,094.29
City Of Cherry Valley
$15,000.00
City Of Chidester
$10,990.50
City Of Diamond City
$15,000.00
City Of Hampton
$15,000.00
City Of Harrisburg
$15,000.00
City Of Hazen
$15,000.00
City Of Hughes
$8,012.32
City of McCrory
$15,000.00
City Of Mulberry
$15,000.00
City Of Ogden
$7,401.95
City of Pangburn
$15,000.00
City Of Sparkman
$15,000.00
Community of Compton
$1,500.00
Community of Rover
$7,300.00
Cotter Volunteer Fire Department
$15,000.00
Drew County
$13,495.50
Enola Fire Department
$6,111.52
Fouke Fire Department
$15,000.00
Hackett Volunteer Fire Department
$15,000.00
Hackett Volunteer Fire Department
$15,000.00
Harmon Fire Department
$15,000.00
Highfill Volunteer Fire Department
$12,151.42
Imboden Fire Department
$12,376.45
Izard County
$15,000.00
Junction City Volunteer Fire Department
$15,000.00
Lake City Fire Department
$15,000.00
Landis Volunteer Fire Department
$15,000.00
Lincoln Fire Department
$15,000.00
Marshall Fire Department
$15,000.00
Mineral Springs Fire Department
$15,000.00
Mount Holly Volunteer Fire Department
$12,705.00
Oakland Promise Land Fire Protection District
$15,000.00
Poyen Fire Department
$15,000.00
Prim Fire Department
$5,203.00
Star City Fire Department
$7,259.00
Strawberry Volunteer Fire Department
$14,974.40
Town Of Bergman
$15,000.00
Town Of Big Flat
$15,000.00
Town Of Caulksville
$15,000.00
Town Of Emerson
$14,986.26
Town Of Guy
$15,000.00
Town Of Letona
$4,984.00
Town Of Oak Grove
$15,000.00
Town Of Prattsville
$9,345.00
Town Of Shirley
$15,000.00
Town of St. Joe
$7,488.24
Welcome Home Community
$9,000.00
Woodlawn Volunteer Fire Department
$6,758.75
Rural Services Block Grant Program
Ashley County
$89,999.74
City Of Ash Flat
$90,000.00
City Of Banks
$89,999.99
City Of Hackett
$99,900.00
City Of Huntington
$90,000.00
City Of Tillar
$100,000.00
Independence County
$100,000.00
Town Of Cove
$100,000.00
Town Of Powhatan
$90,000.00
General Assistance
City of Bradley
$499,939.00
Cleburne County
$116,665.00
City of Cotter
$487,620.00
City of Evening Shade
$500,000.00
City of Glenwood
$499,828.00
City of Gurdon
$500,000.00
City of Hartford
$498,545.00
Izard County
$482,509.00
Jackson County
$387,630.00
City of Junction City
$498,635.00
Town of Lafe
$499,560.00
City of Leslie
$499,200.00
Town of Louann
$499,999.00
City of Marianna
$500,000.00
City of Marked Tree
$499,000.00
Town of Maynard
$499,706.00
City of McNeil
$499,606.00
City of Prescott
$499,988.00
Town of Sedgwick
$500,000.00
City of Wickes
$495,612.00
Town of Widener
$500,000.00
Town of Willisville
$499,438.00
City of Wilton
$499,720.00
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