COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Services

Improvements in quality of life begin with the availability of employment opportunities, but they are equally dependent upon adequate public facilities to serve the needs of a growing population. From basic needs such as water, sewer, fire and emergency services, health care and child care services to community based facilities for socialization, education and self improvement – all are necessary elements of a growing community. WRPDD's Community and Economic Development staff have a proven track record of successful partnerships with local governments and funding agencies to help elected officials construct needed facilities at a cost their communities are able to bear.

White River Planning and Development District has been heavily involved in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application and administration process since its inception in 1975. CDBG funds come from the Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC). Eligible activities for CDBG funding include: water and wastewater projects, senior citizen centers, public health facilities, childcare resources, community centers and fire protection improvements. Also, economic development activities such as loans to industry and infrastructure improvements are also eligible.

Small towns (populations less than 3,000) and unincorporated communities are eligible for grant assistance through the Arkansas Department of Rural Services (DRS). Though program and eligibility rules may vary by grant type, most grant eligible projects fall into the following categories:

Construction, renovations and additions to public use buildings (city and county government, court or jail facilities are not eligible).
Outdoor recreation projects such as parks, picnic areas, ball fields, walking trails, etc.
Fire protection grants that include construction, renovation and additions to publicly owned fire stations, fire and emergency trucks, fire fighting and safety equipment.

Infrastructure development projects include residential improvements, such as water and sewer services to communities, but also refer to business and industry applications targeting job growth and retention. Examples of these projects include industrial park development, road, rail and air service improvements, industrial treatment facilities, and other improvements that support business and industry growth and stability.

WRPDD's business and industry development team works with elected officials, business and industry partners and funding agencies toward the improvement of long term employment opportunities and the retention of existing labor markets in the District's ten-county service area. Professional services available to business and industry include grant and loan proposal development, environmental studies and loan packaging services. Project implementation services include Request For Proposal (RFP) and bid services, communications with funding agencies, architects, engineers and contractors, grant administration services and financial oversight of state and federal grant awards.

WRPDD's staff members work in partnership with the Outdoor Recreation Grants Program staff of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism to help communities plan, finance and develop public recreation facilities appropriate for their communities, while at the same time mindful of not only the development cost, but also the cost of maintenance and upkeep. Professional services offered by WRPDD include:

Park plans and cost estimates.
Grant writing and administration.
Assistance with bidding and procurement.
Project coordination with architects, engineers and contractors.
Financial and budgetary oversight during the implementation process.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Our professional lending staff provides preliminary financial consulting to potential lenders and borrowers, demographic and economic data, loan application assistance, alternate financing sources and loan packaging assistance as required to meet our clients' needs.

EDA Revolving Loan Fund

WRPDD's Revolving Loan Fund, capitalized by the U. S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, has been in operation since 1981. This program provides financing for business start-up or expansion which will result in the creation or retention of jobs. Jobs must be permanent and non-seasonal. Qualified applicants are eligible for loans of up to $200,000. Capital input of 15%-20% of the total project cost is required. Funds may be used for equipment, real estate, inventory and working capital.

Rural Development Intermediary Relending Program (IRP)

The U. S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development has provided WRPDD with funds to re-lend to District cities, counties and businesses. Eligible IRP projects include community development projects and business start-up or expansion. Loan amounts are subject to available funding levels. Capital input of 25% of the total project cost is required. IRP funds may be used in combination with other sources to fund larger projects.

The following considerations apply to District loan programs:

Loans must be repaid 100%. Businesses are not eligible for grants!
Eligible items may include real estate, equipment, inventory and working capital.
Eligible businesses range from retail to manufacturing to service industries. By regulation, agricultural loans are not eligible.
Generally, WRPDD's loan terms are similar to local banks, with interest rates seldom varying more than 1/2% from the banks' current interest rates.
The two loan funds may be utilized separately, in combination, or with local banks or other lending programs.
All loan applications are reviewed by a loan committee, which has final decision-making authority.
All loans require personal guarantee in addition to business collateral.
Loan projects must be located within WRPDD’s ten county service area, which includes Cleburne, Futon, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Sharp, Stone, Van Buren, White and Woodruff Counties.