According to Communities Unlimited Director of Sustainability, Debbie Luther, there were only two cities in Arkansas chosen for this grant, Waldron and Mulberry. Another city in Texas was also selected. The grant totaling $250,000 will be matched with an additional $250,000 from Communities Unlimited. These monies will be divided among the three selected cities. “That’s our commitment to this community,” stated Luther.
The USDA grant is a part of the Rural Community Development Initiative and will provide for the GIS mapping of the water and wastewater system.
“We saw a lot of potential here in Waldron,” said Communities Unlimited Community Facilitator, Jackson Alexander. Luther shared that they will begin working within the community by developing a leadership team. Michelle Viney, Community Facilitator, and Brian Wells, Management