Call: 870‑793‑5233
White River Planning & Development District, Inc.
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DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES 2020 FUNDING
The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) has announced the timeline for the 2020 Federal Grant Program, States Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP). Applications are now being accepted to the Local Planning and Development District. The White River Planning and Development District (WRPDD) coordinates the DRA funding for the following counties: Fulton, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Sharp, Stone, Van Buren, White and Woodruff. WRPDD staff will provide technical assistance and application assistance for the 2019 SEDAP.
The SEDAP may be used to fund projects for basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, business development and workforce development and training related to economic development.
Job creation/retention is also a key factor in funding. Arkansas expects to receive approximately $2 million in DRA funding in 2020.
Local/state government offices, libraries, multi-purpose buildings and public education buildings are not eligible for assistance. More information can be obtained from the DRA website, https://dra.gov/funding-programs/investing-in-the-delta/ or by contacting Mitzi Hargan or Jan Smith with White River Planning and Development District, phone 870.793.5233.
All applications must be submitted to WRPDD through this website by May 31, 2020.
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In accordance with the provisions of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, the North Central Arkansas Workforce Development Board Regional and Local Plan for Program Years 2016 through 2019 is available for review. To view a copy of the plan, click here.
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Arkansas CEDS Project: The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a planning process and document that afford local governments within each Economic Development District (EDD) eligibility for EDA capital improvement funds. For more information, click here.
As diverse as its geography, WRPDD's ten counties and 6,782 square miles feature the rich history and fertile soils of the Mississippi Delta on the south and east with the panoramic beauty of the Ozark Mountains on the north and west.
The Ozark Mountains, famous for their natural beauty and crystal clear rivers and streams, draw over two million tourists annually for the sights, sounds, outdoor fun, traditions and crafts handed down over generations – or just the peaceful solitude of waking up to songbirds in harmony with a quiet mountain stream. In contrast, WRPDD’s delta counties are as famous for their festivals, food and duck hunting as they are for agriculture. But that is only the District at a glance.
Within this setting lies a vibrant economic balance of industry, forestry, agriculture and tourism that provides stability even during a struggling economy. Natural gas exploration in the Fayetteville Shale region of the District has proved to be an economic boon that will continue to be for years to come. Cutting edge industries like bio-fuels, state-of-the art customer call centers, and manufacturers like Bad Boy Mowers are examples of the positive business climate in the District.
Supporting business and industry growth is a large network of public and private universities and community colleges engaged in education and training for jobs in the District’s ten-county service area. Health care in the District offers a modern system of regional care centers and rural satellite centers connected by modern telecommunications.
But the White River District’s most valuable asset is its quality of life. For raising a family, retiring or just putting down roots, WRPDD’s ten counties offer a climate for all seasons, a safe and healthy environment, excellent schools and medical care, and unlimited opportunities for fun and recreation. Our lower cost of living – from housing to taxes to energy costs – is also a pleasant surprise.
For more information about the opportunities that this region of Arkansas has to offer, Contact Us or visit the web sites below: