ARKADELPHIA, AR, December 11, 2024: The Economic Development Corporation of Clark County (EDCCC) is proud to announce that we have been awarded a $1,013,710 site development grant from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission's (AEDC) Arkansas Site Development Program. This funding is part of a statewide initiative that will distribute $10 million to 13 communities to enhance industrial site readiness and competitiveness for job-creating economic development projects. 

The grant will fund critical development efforts, including due diligence, site certification, and erosion engineering at the 991-acre Southwest Arkansas Mega Site, located near the Clark County Industrial Park in Gum Springs, AR. These improvements will enhance the site’s readiness and competitiveness for future industrial projects, driving economic growth in Clark County. 

“This funding is a game-changer for Clark County,” said Shelley Short, CEO of the EDCCC. “It brings us closer to our goal of attracting major economic opportunities to Clark County." 

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined AEDC in announcing the Arkansas Site Development Program’s awards, stating, “The sky is the limit for Arkansas’ economy when our government and private sector work together to grow investment and jobs. The Arkansas Site Development Program tells companies worldwide that Arkansas is open for business and will help each of the recipient communities attract new businesses.”  

Under Governor Sanders’ leadership and in partnership with the Arkansas State Legislature, AEDC developed the Arkansas Site Development Program in June 2024. Eligible sites must consist of at least 30 contiguous acres of land, be listed on the Arkansas Site Selection Database, and be owned or optioned by the applicant. AEDC received 28 applications totaling $44,646,370.37 in requested funding, demonstrating the significant demand for site development assistance across the state. 

The Arkansas Site Development Program provides matching funds for site development activities aimed at boosting industrial site readiness. As part of the program, applicants are required to invest a minimum match of 5% of the overall project cost estimate. 

The funds can be used for a range of site development projects, including the extension and improvement of public infrastructure to the site; right of way acquisition; easement acquisition; soil borings and analysis; construction costs for site improvements, including drainage improvements, easement, dozer or dirt work, grading, site mitigation, and site rehabilitation; due diligence study costs; and other site development-related activities deemed necessary by AEDC to improve a site’s competitiveness. 

The Economic Development Corporation of Clark County remains committed to advancing Clark County’s economic potential and is excited to leverage this grant to bring transformative opportunities to our area. We extend our gratitude to Governor Sanders, the Arkansas General Assembly, AEDC, and all local partners who have made this program a reality. This funding will pave the way for significant industrial and economic growth, ensuring that Clark County remains a competitive and attractive location for businesses. 

About the Economic Development Corporation of Clark County: 

The Economic Development Corporation of Clark County is a tax-funded organization created to secure opportunities for job creation with existing industries while expanding our job market by actively soliciting new industries to foster economic growth in Clark County.