Arkansas State University has received two grants totaling nearly $1 million from the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council.
The funds will be used for theater reconstruction in Dyess as part of the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home project and renovation of the historic V.C. Kays house on the school's campus.
The council awarded $200,000 for work on the Kays residence and a separate grant of $750,000 for the Dyess project.
The V.C. Kays house was the home of the first president of Arkansas State, who built the home and moved in with his wife, Bertie.