Economic Development Grant Boosts Stuttgart, Arkansas Infrastructure
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is set to award a $2 million grant to the Stuttgart Industrial Development Corporation in Stuttgart, Arkansas, aiming at water infrastructure enhancements to foster job creation in the area, announced U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
This funding will enhance water and sewer systems at Stuttgart Industrial Park, facilitating the expansion of manufacturing businesses. Stuttgart will also contribute $515,013 in local funds towards this project, which is projected to generate 54 new jobs and attract $79 million in private investments, as estimated by the grantee.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to providing the infrastructure to support economic growth in Arkansas and across the country,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will provide the water and sewer services needed to support manufacturing business growth, spurring private investment and creating jobs for a stronger regional economy.”
“The U.S. Economic Development Administration supports locally led, place-based economic growth,” stated Cristina Killingsworth, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs, performing the non-exclusive functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development. “This project will provide needed infrastructure to expand the Stuttgart Industrial Park, attracting agriculture manufacturing businesses and creating jobs in the region.”
Representative Eric Crawford (AR-1) commented on the significance of the grant, stating, “For far too long, infrastructure investment in rural America has been ignored by the federal government. In Arkansas, we know better than most that focused investments in our farming communities can help ensure their economic success. Stuttgart is the Rice Capital of America, and I’m pleased that this investment will bolster the businesses that will power the continued growth of Arkansas’ largest industry, agriculture, well into the future.”
This initiative is part of a broader regional planning effort driven by the Southeast Arkansas Economic Development District (SEAEDD). The EDA funds SEAEDD to unite the public and private sectors in creating an economic development roadmap, aiming to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment, and create jobs.
