The funds are provided through the USDA Rural Development's Community Facilities Program and are aimed at improving public safety, health care and training services. The Arkansas cities will use these federal dollars to purchase equipment for their police and fire departments.

"Arkansans deserve access to the best safety services that we can provide," said Lincoln. "I applaud the citizens of the First Congressional District for using these funds to ensure that first responders have the necessary equipment and facilities to protect our rural communities."

"These grants provide a significant boost to help make communities safer and healthier. They serve as a great example of how federal and local officials can work together to strengthen much-needed infrastructure and services in rural communities," said Pryor.

"We have a responsibility to ensure that every single community in Arkansas has the equipment it needs to protect its citizens in emergency situations," said Berry. "I am pleased to see so many cities and town in Arkansas’ 1^st congressional district benefit from this grant program which will improve public safety throughout our state."

The following is a list of Economic Impact Grant recipients, award amounts, and what the grants will fund:

City of Caraway $11,500 Police car

City of De Valls Bluff $122,700 Fire station and police equipment

City of Jericho $5,200 Computer equipment for city hall/fire department

City of Helena-West Helena $94,400 Fire truck and police cars

City of Madison $20,200 Police equipment

City of Mammoth Spring $12,900 Police car

City of Manila $85,000 Fire station

City of McCrory $15,600 Police cars

City of Parkin $38,500 Police cars

City of Patterson $37,500 Fire station