Clarksdale, Miss. (KAIT) – The Delta Regional Authority announced Tuesday it is investing $3.75 million in eight projects in Arkansas, including several in Region 8.
According to a DRA news release, the State’s Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP) “aims to improve basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, business development, and job training.”
This year’s SEDAP recipients in Arkansas include:
- Arkansas Methodist Medical Center was awarded $509,000 to purchase a new MRI machine for an equipment and program enhancement project that will allow the healthcare facility to provide the highest level of service and patient care by offering new and improved opportunities in a more efficient manner.
- City of Walnut Ridge was awarded $509,000 to renovate two downtown buildings that will be used to house a new technology company, Provalus, which plans to hire and train 200 new employees over the next five years, impacting the local and regional economy and workforce in a positive way.
- City of Newport was awarded more than $378,000 for a public transportation infrastructure project that will support a new business development opportunity in the downtown area, ensuring the workforce can access the workplace.
- University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville was awarded $509,000 to develop a commercial vehicle driving range to provide a secure and controlled environment for training the next generation of commercial vehicle drivers, addressing the increasing demand for skilled drivers in the region while also fostering economic development and job creation.
- South Arkansas Community College was awarded nearly $359,000 to renovate an existing lab and to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for a new industrial lab technician program that will meet local and regional industry needs, as identified by industry partners, and prepare program participants for high-quality employment.
- Prairie County was awarded $1.2 million for a county road improvement project that will result in an improved transportation route for employees of White River Energetics, as well as for shipping and supply companies accessing the manufacturing company.
- Union County was awarded nearly $186,000 to support a railroad improvement project that will allow for the construction of a new industrial rail spur facility at El Dorado Industrial Park, resulting in local and regional job creation, in addition to a multi-million-dollar private investment.
- City of Marshall was awarded $100,000 to replace an existing concreate water storage tank with a new welded steel water storage tank, meeting Arkansas Health Department standards and providing city residents and businesses with a reliable water source and the water supply to meet their personal and business needs.
“As a result of this investment, over 830 jobs will be created or retained, over 200 people trained, and over 740 families impacted across eight communities, improving residents’ quality of life and increasing economic prosperity in their communities,” said Dr. Corey Wiggins, DRA federal co-chairman.
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