Pictured from left to right are; Aimee Sexton, Mayor Paul Wellenberger, ARDC Chair Bob Lucky, Lou Workman, Governor Mike Beebe, Carrie McIntosh, DRS Interim Director Stephanie Neipling, Robert, Dae, Beth Workman. Not pictured:, Senator Jason Rapert.
Governor Mike Beebe and Department of Rural Services Interim Director Stephanie Neipling presented $178,934.34 to 19 rural communities selected for Fiscal Year 2013 Cycle 1 funding through the Arkansas Rural Community grant Program at an awards ceremony on October 25, 2012 held at the State Capitol in the Governor’s Conference Room.
In attendance were representatives receiving an Arkansas Rural Fire Protection Grant award on behalf of Fairfield Bay in Van Buren County. The Fairfield Bay Fire Dept. received $8,125 to purchase 25 sets of light weight Wildland turnout gear.
The Department of Rural Services works in partnership with the Arkansas Rural Development Commission to administer the Arkansas Rural Community grant Programs in three cycles each year. Incorporated cities and towns and unincorporated communities in rural areas of less that 3,000 in population are eligible to apply for assistance through the mayor or county judge’s office.
For more information about the Department of Rural Services and their grant programs contact Rural Services at 1-888-RURAL-AR.