Arkansas Congressional Delegation Announces $1.45 Million
Funding Provided by the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act
Washington – U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and U.S. Representatives Marion Berry (AR-01), Vic Snyder (AR-02) and Mike Ross (AR-04) today announced that rural communities across Arkansas will receive a total of $1,450,000 to purchase police cars, fire trucks, and other needed safety equipment. The funds are provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which Congress passed with their support and the President signed into law earlier this year.
“More than $1 billion in economic recovery funds already have flowed into Arkansas, helping build roads, repair schools, and provide health care, among other critical priorities. These latest funds will provide our communities with much-needed resources to help keep Arkansans safe. Recovery dollars have been critical for our state, and I’m convinced that without the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, economic conditions across our nation would be much worse,” said Lincoln.
“Access to law enforcement, medical equipment and child care is essential for the well-being of rural Arkansas residents,” said Pryor. “These economic recovery funds will expand critical infrastructure while also creating jobs.”
“The courageous men and women who work tirelessly to provide for the well-being of local residents deserve the best tools and resources available. We owe it to them to give them everything they need to do their jobs as safely and effectively as possible,” said Berry.
“Over the past year, Arkansas rural communities have faced tough challenges. With the economic downturn, it has become more difficult for these rural communities to provide quality public safety and health care services.” said Snyder. “I am grateful these funds are being sent our way to help these communities recover and sustain essential city services.”
“Investing in rural development is critical to the overall success of our state’s economy,” said Ross. “This economic recession has hit our rural areas particularly hard and I am pleased to see these recovery dollars make their way to southern and western Arkansas. Regardless of the nation’s economic situation, we should always ensure our rural facilities and first responders have the resources to protect and serve the needs of their residents.”
Communities receiving funds are listed below along with their anticipated purchase:
City of Brinkley, $45,000, police cars
City of Clinton, $20,000, police cars
City of Eudora, $100,000, senior center
City of Forrest City, $9,000, fuel depot equipment
City of Forrest City, $90,000, police cars
City of Gilmore, $27,000, police car
Helena-West Helena, $13,000, police equipment
City of Holly Grove, $18,000, police car
City of Magazine, $7,000, police car
City of Patterson, $23,000, police car
City of Piggott, $8,000, police car
City of Clinton, $80,000, early warning sirens
Dewitt Hospital and Nursing Home, $64,000, ambulance
Monroe County, $20,000, police equipment
City of Eudora, $23,000, police car
Jackson County, $17,000, police cars
City of Mammoth Springs, $19,000, police car
Town of Delight, $4,000, fire department equipment
City of Marshall, $100,000, fire truck
City of Glenwood, $58,000, fire truck
Sixth District Volunteer Fire Department, $28,000, equipment
Marion County, $8,000, police cars
City of Warren, $12,000, police vehicle
City of Mount Pleasant, $50,000, fire truck
City of Lake Village, $22,000, police car
City of Wilmot, $24,000, police car
Town of Etowah, $21,000, early warning storm siren
City of Kingsland, $100,000 fire truck
First Presbyterian Child Care Center, City of Warren, $38,000, van
Ozark Health, Inc. (Clinton), $100,000 grant and $190,000 direct loan, medical equipment
City of Dermott, $100,000, senior center
These economic recovery funds are provided through USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities program, which helps finance and develop essential community facilities for public use in rural areas.
