Arkansas
| Program | # of Grants | EDA Funds |
|---|---|---|
| Disaster Relief | 1 | $1,348,683 |
| Economic Adjustment Assistance | 1 | $400,500 |
| Public Works | 1 | $1,300,000 |
| Regional Innovation Program | 2 | $779,202 |
| Technical Assistance | 2 | $409,653 |
| Planning | 8 | $1,680,000 |
| Grand Total | 15 | $5,918,038 |
Clark County, AR - Established in 2010 to develop a regional approach to attract and retain high-wage jobs, the Southwest Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority (SWARIA) developed intermodal facilities to attract and retain industrial users. Clark County, where SWARIA is located, lost one of its largest employers, ALCOA. Five counties in the region were affected due to the large displacement of jobs.
In October 2017, EDA invested $1.3 million in Public Works funds to SWARIA and Clark County to fund the construction of a public trans-load facility and cross dock in Phase II of the project, the design and construction of an industrial rail spur and rail access at the Clark County Industrial Park. Completion of the project will help expand labor market opportunities in Clark, Montgomery, Nevada, Pike and Dallas counties. Among the industrial users in the park is a paper manufacturer which plans to build a pulp mill within the industrial park. The paper manufacturer anticipates creating 250 direct jobs in logging, trucking and forestry industries across the county. Phase II will also allow for economic growth and attract industrial businesses to the region.