Arkansas – Arkansas officials announced $25 million in funding awarded to 22 communities through the Arkansas Site Development Program, aimed at strengthening industrial sites and improving long-term economic competitiveness across the state.
The announcement was made alongside the Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, which oversees the program. State leaders said the initiative is designed to help communities prepare shovel-ready sites to attract new business investment and job opportunities.
Communities receiving funding in this round include Bradley County, Bentonville, Berryville, Conway, De Queen, El Dorado, England, Grant County, Hempstead County, Hot Spring County, Hot Springs, Jacksonville, Jefferson County, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Mississippi County, Newport, Pocahontas, Prescott, Russellville, Searcy, and Stuttgart.
Officials said applicants were required to have at least 30 contiguous acres of industrial land listed on the Arkansas Site Selection Database and controlled by the applicant. Eligible recipients included cities, counties, chambers of commerce, and economic development organizations.
State leaders said the funds will support a range of improvements, including infrastructure expansion, grading, drainage, soil analysis, right-of-way acquisition, and other site preparation work intended to improve competitiveness for future projects.
According to AEDC, 29 applications were received in this round, totaling nearly $73.9 million in requested funding. A previous round in December 2024 awarded $10 million to 13 communities, with additional funding planned in fiscal year 2027.
Officials said the program is part of a broader effort to position Arkansas for long-term economic growth and increased business investment.