Nearly half a dozen rural Arkansas communities will receive millions of federal dollars to fund upgrades for infrastructure projects, including rail lines and water systems.
The Delta Regional Authority announced investments of more than $25 million for 25 projects across seven states via its Community Infrastructure Fund. More than $5.5 million has been allocated for infrastructure improvements in Paragould, Truman, Pocahontas and the Southeast Arkansas Economic Development District, one of eight planning and development districts in the state.
Established by Congress in 2000, the Delta Regional Authority promotes economic development in the lower Mississippi River and the Alabama Black Belt. Funding for the Community Infrastructure Fund is from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed by Congress and signed by Pres. Joe Biden in 2021.
The infusion of cash is the latest round of federal spending allocated for projects in rural Arkansas. Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it had awarded more than $66 million for conservation projects in Arkansas that focus on restoring habitat around the Mississippi River.
Below is what the Delta Regional Authority money will fund in Arkansas:
City of Paragould was awarded $872,600 for a transportation project that will extend an existing rail spur to a local industry that has pledged to create 20 jobs as a result of this infrastructure investment.
City of Truman was awarded nearly $762,000 to make renovations to the city’s water system to ensure the ongoing service of potable water to existing residents and businesses while also ensuring the system has the capacity to support future residential and industrial growth.
Southeast Arkansas Economic Development District Inc. was awarded more than $2 million for a railroad infrastructure improvement project that will accommodate a grain storage elevator in Chicot County, providing access to reliable and affordable transport and ensuring economic resiliency within the area.
City of Pocahontas was awarded more than $1.9 million for upgrades that will provide for sufficient capacity and water services for current and future economic and residential growth.
The Delta Regional Authority announced the investments Monday.
The Community Infrastructure Fund is “designed to address unmet needs in basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure and flood control needs,” according to the agency.