Arkansas Delegation Announces $7.5 Million for Economic Development ProjectsGrants Support Projects in Arkansas, Clay, Faulkner, Hempstead, Jefferson, Sebastian, Washington Counties
Northwest Arkansas,
September 23, 2014
U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman today joined Congressmen Tim Griffin (AR-2) and Steve Womack (AR-3) to announce that seven Arkansas cities will receive $7.5 million from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to finance projects that will create jobs, promote innovation, increase resiliency to natural disasters, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth. “Reinvesting taxpayer dollars into job growth opportunities will pay off in dividends for Arkansas families, communities and our economy,” Pryor said. “These grants strengthen our communities through outreach programs and infrastructure projects that build our state’s future.” “Infrastructure is the key to economic development and growth throughout Arkansas,” Boozman said. “These grants will help attract businesses to the region, foster growth for existing companies and provide jobs for hardworking Arkansans by expanding and improving infrastructure in our communities.” “Expanding workforce training and education is key to helping individuals succeed in their careers. This funding will provide more good-paying job opportunities for Arkansans, while supporting economic development in our communities and strengthening our economy,” said Griffin. “Leveraging federal dollars with local investment in the Third District is essential to ongoing projects that will secure our future and strengthen our community. I applaud this announcement, which ensures the infrastructure in Fort Smith is ready to support the new Arkansas Osteopathic Medical School, addressing a shortage of physicians in our state, and supports the efforts of the World Trade Center at the University of Arkansas to diversify our state’s economy so it isn’t as vulnerable to the negative impact of natural disasters,” Womack said. This funding is provided by the EDA to promote job creation and foster disaster resiliency in communities affected by devastating storms. The projects receiving funding are as follows:
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