Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.5 million grant to the city of Springdale, Arkansas, to support business growth by improving roadway infrastructure needed to ease the movement of commercial traffic. The EDA grant, to be matched with $1 million in local funds, is expected to create or retain 125 jobs and generate $14.6 million in private investment.
“President Trump understands that reliable and modern infrastructure is fundamental to business development and success,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “The project will widen Kendrick Avenue and connect it to Highway 265, which will allow for expedited business growth.”
“EDA is pleased to support Springdale’s strategy to enhance the roads and create access to a major state thoroughfare,” said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Dr. John Fleming. “In addition, this project will make it possible for a food processing equipment manufacturer to construct a plant on a nearby site and bring much needed jobs to the region.”
“It is critical that our infrastructure keep up with our booming economy,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “Springdale’s thriving industry and growing population make it the perfect fit for this project.”
“Investment in infrastructure is vital to allow for continued growth and development in Northwest Arkansas, which is why I’m pleased the Trump Administration awarded this grant,” said Senator John Boozman. “Improving the function and accessibility of this roadway will help increase economic opportunities that will further support jobs and better meet commercial needs in the region.”
“Arkansas’s economy depends on safe, reliable infrastructure to move products to market,” said Senator Tom Cotton. “Updating the roadway infrastructure in Springdale will help sustain long-term economic growth in the region. I’m grateful to Secretary Ross and the U.S. Department of Commerce for their investment in Arkansas.”
“Springdale is ripe with growth opportunity—and this strategic investment will make our community even more competitive,” said Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3). “This project will connect Kendrick Avenue and Highway 265 to create a streamlined transportation corridor that will attract new businesses and jobs to the area. It’s a great example of leveraging existing assets to support long-term economic development, improve traffic flow, and modernize infrastructure. I’m proud to work alongside the Administration and local partners to advance this transformative project.”
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Northwest Arkansas Planning and Development District (NWAEDD). EDA funds the NWAEDD to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment, and create jobs.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.