The United States Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, has announced a $1.2 million grant from the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) for road infrastructure improvements in Wynne, Arkansas. The grant aims to support the expansion of local businesses and facilitate community recovery and growth in the aftermath of natural disasters.
The funds will be used to construct a new roadway to reduce traffic congestion and attract new businesses to the area. The move aligns with President Biden’s ‘Investing in America’ agenda, which focuses on aiding communities impacted by natural disasters.
“This EDA investment will ensure that the people of Wynne have the infrastructure they need to support their families, communities, and growing economy in the aftermath of these tragedies,” said Secretary Raimondo. She emphasized the importance of having the necessary resources for recovery and rebuilding after natural disasters.
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo affirmed the commitment of the Economic Development Administration to work with local communities closely to support economic growth. The investment is expected to provide a solid foundation for Wynne to attract new businesses and residents, thereby diversifying the local economy.
Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01), chairman of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee, acknowledged the importance of targeted investments for infrastructure projects like new road construction. Crawford characterized the $1.2 million grant as crucial to Wynne’s ongoing recovery after the EF-3 tornado hit the region a year ago.
The project is funded under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (PL 115-123), wherein Congress allocated $600 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery in response to natural disasters including Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, wildfires, and others that occurred in calendar year 2017 under the Stafford Act.
