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Informational grant workshops offered throughout Arkansas

Oct. 18, 2011

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (October 18, 2011) - Five workshops have been scheduled throughout Arkansas by the Grants Division of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) to inform Arkansas's community and economic development leaders about new grants available. Attendees will get information on procedures for applying for grants offered by four different agencies and organizations. 

The agencies offering these grants include AEDC, the Arkansas Department of Rural Services, the Arkansas Natural Resource Commission, and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Community Program.

The AEDC administers the state Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, as well as several state funded grant programs aimed at economic development.  Projects funded through CDBG include senior centers, childcare centers, county health units, and grants to benefit companies locating or expanding in Arkansas.

The Arkansas Department of Rural Services provides grants to counties and small Arkansas communities.  These grants may be used to fund a variety of projects, including community centers, fire stations and fire trucks.

The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC) administers that portion of the state CDBG program that funds residential water and wastewater grants.  In addition to the CDBG program, ANRC also administers state and federal loan programs for water and wastewater.

The United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Community Programs provides grants and loans to fund essential community facilities, water and wastewater projects for public use in rural areas.  Examples of projects include:  community centers, fire stations and fire trucks, medical facilities, waterline extensions, and wastewater collection/treatment systems.

Meeting dates and locations include: 

  • October 25, North Little Rock, Arkansas Municipal League, 301 W. Second St., 10:00 a.m. 
  • October 26, Springdale, The Jones Center, 922 East Emma Ave., 10:00 a.m. 
  • October 27, Jonesboro, East AR Planning & Development District, 2905 King Street, 10:00 a.m. 
  • November 8, Helena/W. Helena, Community Center, 511 Miller Street, 10:00 a.m. 
  • November 9, Camden, Camden Municipal Bldg. Council Chambers, 206 Van Buren Street, 10:00 a.m. 

These two-hour workshops are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dana Heatley at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission at (501) 682-1211, or by e-mail at dheatley@arkansasedc.com.