Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) have announced more than $12.52 million in funding aimed at improving communities across the state. The investment will support cities, counties and rural areas through dozens of projects designed to strengthen infrastructure, improve public spaces and enhance quality of life for residents.
A total of 88 grants, worth $12,522,736 combined, were awarded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and the State Rural Community Grant programs. The funding will allow local governments to address important needs, from community facilities and public safety improvements to infrastructure projects that benefit residents for years to come.
Governor Sanders said the investment reflects the importance of strong local communities and the role they play in Arkansas’ continued growth.
“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.”
The grants are designed to help local leaders complete projects that may otherwise be difficult to fund. Many smaller communities face challenges maintaining infrastructure and providing important public services, and state assistance allows them to move forward with improvements that directly affect residents.
Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, said supporting local communities remains a key part of the state’s economic development strategy.
“Local communities are the foundation of our success in Arkansas,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “With the grants from the Division of Rural Services and the Grants Division, we aim to help communities access the resources and services they need to grow and continue creating economic opportunities.”
The funding comes through several programs administered by AEDC divisions, each focused on different types of community needs.
The Rural Services Block Grant and Rural Community Grant programs provide resources specifically for smaller towns and rural areas. These programs are intended to help communities improve public facilities, strengthen emergency response capabilities and create spaces where residents can gather.
Becca Caldwell, director of AEDC’s Division of Rural Services, said the grants are an important tool for helping rural communities prepare for the future.
“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.”
Projects supported by the Rural Services Block Grant program can include construction or improvements to community centers, fire stations and multi-purpose buildings. The program can also help communities purchase fire trucks and emergency equipment needed to protect residents.
Eligible applicants include incorporated towns with populations under 3,000 and rural unincorporated areas where at least 51 percent of residents have low to moderate incomes. Communities may receive up to $100,000 through the program, with a required 10 percent local match.
The Rural Community Grant Program provides additional assistance for smaller communities working on local improvement projects. Funding may be used for fire trucks, fire protection equipment, storm sirens, community centers, parks and walking trails.
Under this program, eligible towns with populations below 3,000 and qualifying rural areas can receive up to $15,000 in matching funds. The program requires a 50/50 match, allowing communities to combine state support with local resources.
Another major part of the funding comes through the Community Development Block Grant program. CDBG funds are used for larger public facility and infrastructure needs throughout Arkansas.
Projects supported through CDBG funding can include improvements to senior centers, childcare facilities, public health buildings, youth centers, flood control systems and drainage projects. The program can also provide support for economic development efforts designed to create opportunities within local communities.
Jean Noble, director of AEDC’s Grants Division, said the success of the CDBG program depends on the commitment of local leaders who identify needs and work to improve their communities.
“The success of the CDBG program lies in the dedication of our local leaders who work tirelessly to improve their communities,” said Jean Noble, director of AEDC’s Grants Division. “The CDBG program gives the state the ability to partner with these cities and counties to turn critical infrastructure priorities into reality while addressing their most urgent safety, health, and development needs. We look forward to seeing how these investments revitalize local economies and build safer, more vibrant places to live.”
State officials said the grants provide more than financial assistance. They also create opportunities for communities to improve safety, attract economic activity and build stronger connections among residents.
For many Arkansas towns, projects funded through these programs represent long-term investments. A new community center can provide a place for meetings, programs and events. Updated fire equipment can improve emergency response. New walking trails and parks can encourage outdoor activity and create shared spaces for families.
The funding also supports the broader goal of helping rural areas remain strong and competitive. As communities work to attract businesses and residents, improvements to infrastructure and public facilities can play an important role in creating a better environment for growth.
The announcement highlights the state’s continued focus on working with local governments to address community priorities. Rather than relying only on state-level projects, officials say these programs allow residents and local leaders to identify the improvements that matter most in their own neighborhoods.
The 88 awarded grants will now move forward as communities begin planning and completing their projects. From public safety upgrades to recreational improvements, the funding will touch communities across Arkansas and support projects designed to make towns and cities more functional, accessible and welcoming.
State officials emphasized that strong communities are a foundation for economic success and a higher quality of life. Through continued investment in local infrastructure and public spaces, Arkansas leaders hope to help communities across the state continue growing while preserving the character that makes each area unique.
The latest round of grants represents another effort by Governor Sanders, AEDC and local officials to provide resources where they are needed most. By supporting community-driven projects, the state aims to strengthen neighborhoods, improve services and help Arkansas remain a place where families can build their futures.
View the full list of recipients and awards below:
General Assistance Block Grants
• Bradley, Lafayette County, $499,939.00
• Cleburne County, $116,665.00
• Cotter, Baxter County, $487,620.00
• Evening Shade, Sharp County, $500,000.00
• Glenwood, Pike County, $499,828.00
• Gurdon, Clark County, $500,000.00
• Hartford, Sebastian County, $498,545.00
• Izard County, $482,509.00
• Jackson County, $387,630.00
• Junction City, Union County, $498,635.00
• Lafe, Greene County, $499,560.00
• Leslie, Searcy County, $499,200.00
• Louann, Ouachita County, $499,999.00
• Marianna, Lee County, $500,000.00
• Marked Tree, Poinsett County, $499,000.00
• Maynard, Randolph County, $499,706.00
• McNeil, Columbia County, $499,606.00
• Prescott, Nevada County, $499,606.00
• Sedgwick, Lawrence County, $500,000.00
• Wickes, Polk County, $495,612.00
• Widener, St. Francis County, $500,000.00
• Willisville, Nevada County, $499,439.00
• Wilton, Little River County, $499,720.00
Rural Services Block Grants
• Ashley County, $89,999.74
• City of Ash Flat, Sharp County, $90,000.00
• City of Banks, Bradley County, $89,999.99
• City of Hackett, Sebastian County, $99,900.00
• City of Huntington, Sebastian County, $90,000.00
• City of Tillar, Drew County, $100,000.00
• Independence County, $100,000.00
• Town of Cove, Polk County, $100,000.00
• Town of Powhatan, Lawrence County, $90,000.00
Rural Community Grants
• Altus FD, Franklin County, $15,000.00
• Atkins VFD, Pope County, $15,000.00
• Bradley FD, Bradley County, $15,000.00
• Carlisle FD, Lonoke County, $15,000.00
• Cato VFD, Pulaski County, $15,000.00
• Charleston FD, Franklin County, $7,500.00
• City of Bay, Craighead County, $15,000.00
• City of Cedarville, Crawford County, $5,094.29
• City of Cherry Valley, Cross County, $15,000.00
• City of Chidester, Ouachita County, $10,990.50
• City of Diamond City, Boone County, $15,000.00
• City of Hampton, Calhoun County, $15,000.00
• City of Harrisburg, Poinsett County, $15,000.00
• City of Hazen, Prairie County, $15,000.00
• City of Hughes, St. Francis County, $8,012.32
• City of McCrory, Woodruff County, $15,000.00
• City of Mulberry, Crawford County, $15,000.00
• City of Ogden, Little River County, $7,401.95
• City of Pangburn, White County, $15,000.00
• City of Sparkman, Dallas County, $15,000.00
• Community of Compton, Newton County, $1,500.00
• Community of Rover, Yell County, $7,300.00
• Cotter VFD, Baxter County, $15,000.00
• Drew County, $13,495.50
• Enola FD, Faulkner County, $6,111.52
• Fouke FD, Miller County, $15,000.00
• Hackett VFD, Sebastian County, $15,000.00
• Harmon FD, Washington County, $15,000.00
• Highfill VFD, Benton County, $12,151.42
• Imboden FD, Lawrence County, $12,376.45
• Izard County, $15,000.00
• Junction City VFD, Union County, $15,000.00
• Lake City FD, Craighead County, $15,000.00
• Landis VFD, Searcy County, $15,000.00
• Lincoln FD, Washington County, $15,000.00
• Marshall FD, Searcy County, $15,000.00
• Mineral Springs FD, Howard County, $15,000.00
• Mount Holly VFD, Union County, $12,705.00
• Oakland Promise Land Fire Protection District, Marion County, $15,000.00
• Poyen FD, Grant County, $15,000.00
• Prim FD, Cleburne County, $15,000.00
• Star City FD, Lincoln County, $7,259.00
• Strawberry VFD, Lawrence County, $14,974.40
• Town of Bergman, Boone County, $15,000.00
• Town of Big Flat, Baxter County, $15,000.00
• Town of Caulksville, Logan County, $15,000.00
• Town of Emerson, Columbia County, $14,986.26
• Town of Guy, Faulkner County, $15,000.00
• Town of Letona, White County, $4,984.00
• Town of Oak Grove, Carroll County, $15,000.00
• Town of Prattsville, Grant County, $15,000.00
• Town of Shirley, Van Buren County, $15,000.00
• Town of St. Joe, Searcy County, $7,488.24
• Welcome Home Community, Searcy County, $9,000.00
• Woodlawn VFD, Lonoke County, $6,758.75
