WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration has awarded more than $9 million in grants to build or repair infrastructure in cities across Arkansas.
The recipients estimated the projects will create more than 1,100 jobs in the state, according to an administration news release.
Several members of Arkansas' delegation issued a news release Tuesday praising the approved grants, which affect larger cities like Fayetteville and Pine Bluff and smaller cities like Stuttgart and Corning. U.S. Reps. Tom Cotton and Rick Crawford, who did not vote in favor of the bill authorizing the fund, were not included on the release.
"These grants strengthen our communities through outreach programs and infrastructure projects that build our state's future," U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor said.
U.S. Sen. John Boozman called infrastructure key to growth and economic development.
"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," he said.
Griffin said the projects will help create jobs.
"This funding will provide more good-paying job opportunities for Arkansans, while supporting economic development in our communities and strengthening our economy," Griffin said.
U.S. Rep. Steve Womack said the projects will help diversify the state's economy to protect it from natural disasters.
"Leveraging federal dollars with local investment in the Third District is essential to ongoing projects that will secure our future and strengthen our community," he said.
The grants are:
• $1.2 million to help Fort Smith construct roads, sidewalks and parking lots for the new Arkansas Osteopathic Medical School. According to the city, this project will add 65 jobs and generate a donation of land worth $4 million.
• $1.1 million to help Stuttgart build a commercial hangar with interior office space, and road and parking lot improvements at the Stuttgart Municipal Airport. The hangar will allow CAVU Aerospace Inc. to store and operate a Boeing 767-sized aircraft and expand its business, saving 20 jobs and creating 20 additional ones.
• $1.2 million investment for Pine Bluff to upgrade roughly 40 miles of rail line. According to the city, the project will create 24 jobs.
• $1.2 million to Corning to support rail improvements to an industrial site, enabling Peco Foods Inc. to build poultry processing and hatchery facilities and associated infrastructure on a 120-acre site in Clay County. According to the grantee, the company has committed to a $165 million investment and the creation of 942 jobs. The feed-mill operation will produce 15,000 tons of feed per week to support the flocks grown for the Pocahontas plant.
• $1.1 million to the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton to create a workforce training center. Students will be trained in mechanics and repairs.
• $597,116 for the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville's World Trade Center Arkansas, which seeks to boost the state's exports.
• $1.2 million to Hope for access road and drainage improvements for development along a 52-acre property adjacent to Interstate 30. The first phase of the project is the development of a cold storage transportation terminal, to be followed by the construction of a trucking outfitting and sales facility, and a "trucking plaza" that will offer overnight services. The primary beneficiary is Magnolia Development, LLC., which the city said will invest $40 million and create 85 jobs.
• $1.1 million for water and sewer improvements in Mayflower.
• $300,000 to the Central Arkansas Planning and Development District to hire a disaster coordinator and two staff members for a three-year period to plan pre- and post-disaster recovery for Faulkner County.
• $201,000 to Vilonia to extend Industrial Park Drive.
Metro on 09/24/2014