Gov. Beebe Awards Grants to 10 Counties

Ten counties and three cities across Arkansas are getting financial rewards from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

Governor Mike Beebe presented the grants totaling $2,488,596 to the winners at a ceremony held today at the State Capitol.

The funds originate from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The grants will be administered by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission's Grants Division.

To be eligible for CDBG funds, communities must have a population of less than 50,000 and a majority of households earning low to moderate income.

The 13 projects include the following cities:

    DeQueen: $178,090 for wastewater lines
    Elkins: $203,000 for a senior center
    Haynes: $142,200 for a youth entrepreneur center
    Monticello: $203,000 for a senior center
    Peach Orchard: $122,646 for a safe room
    Plainview: $190,000 for a childcare center
    Pleasant Plains: $300,000 for a childcare center
    Siloam Springs: $203,000 for a senior center
    Stuttgart: $220,000 for a roof for the community center
    Trumann: $82,500 for an adult education center

And the following counties:

    Boone County: $203,000 for a senior center
    Sevier County: $325,000 for a county health unit
    Woodruff County: $116,160 for a food pantry