City of Waldron Awarded Economic Development Grant

On Monday afternoon, Waldron city leaders, the Superintendent of the school district, law makers and several business and community members gathered to be a part of a monumental day. Representatives from Communities Unlimited made the announcement that the City of Waldron had been selected to recieve an economic development grant.

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. “This is part of our addressing disaster preparedness,” shared Luther. “If you don’t have the infrastructure, it makes it difficult to push economic development.”

“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 Consultant, will be working hands on within the Waldron community. “Rural communities are so unique,” said City Clerk/Treasurer Sherry Johnston. “We often have trouble finding the right grant or getting help, but we got it today.”