Specifically, the EDA funding being announced today will be used to construct a new railroad spur and industrial access roads to the existing Jackson County Industrial Complex. According to the Department of Commerce, this investment would create 240 new jobs in the region and spur $25 million in private investments.

"This federal investment is terrific news for the community of Newport and for the residents of Jackson County," Lincoln said. "I’m pleased to have worked alongside the leadership of Newport and Jackson County to secure this funding, and I’m impressed by their efforts to leverage such a substantial private investment."

"This is fantastic news for the people in Jackson County who have worked hard to secure this money," said Berry. "A new rail spur is going to open up a realm of job opportunities for the industrial complex that would have otherwise passed us by. I am pleased to see federal resources going towards such a worthy economic development project."

“This investment will yield significant economic benefits in Jackson County, expanding business opportunities and generating much-needed jobs,” Pryor said.  “I share my enthusiasm for this funding with many community and business leaders who have worked tirelessly to spur economic growth in northeast Arkansas.”