The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) Division of Rural Services has awarded community grants totaling more than $317,500 to 39 counties and communities across the state, including four in North Central Arkansas.The Division of Rural Services awarded Arkansas counties and communities funding through two grant programs: the Rural Community Grant Program and the County Fair Building Grant Program.
The recipients in the Rural Community Grant Program included $12,993 to the Cotter-Gassville Rural Fire Protection District and $2,000 to Marion County. No details on the planned use of the funding were provided.
Under this program, applicants from incorporated towns of less than 3,000 in population and unincorporated rural areas are eligible for up to $15,000 in matching funds for community development and fire protection projects.
In addition, the Division of Rural Services awarded 11 counties a total of $41,192 through the County Fair Building Grant Program.
Local recipients included Baxter and Fulton counties, with each receiving $4,000.
Under this program, fairs located in counties with a population of less than 55,000 are eligible for up to $4,000 for construction, renovation or general improvements of buildings or purchase of items shown to directly improve the building or the services that the county fair association may provide.
Both the Rural Community Grant Program and the County Fair Building Grant Program require a 50% match for counties and communities to qualify.
The Division of Rural Services originally intended to present these awards at the 2020 Arkansas Rural Development Conference scheduled to take place in Jonesboro last month. After careful consideration, AEDC canceled the annual conference due to restrictions and concerns caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency.
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