Arkansas Lawmakers Announce Rural Development Funds for Helena-West Helena

Press Release

U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and Representative Marion Berry (AR-01) today announced that Southern Financial Partners in Arkadelphia will receive a $150,000 USDA Rural Development Grant to create a revolving loan fund to support the redevelopment of downtown Helena-West Helena. The money will help businesses that relocate or establish themselves in the downtown area. The loans will be based on need and recipients must prove their ability to not only purchase a building but also to renovate the building.

"I'm pleased to help announce these funds for my hometown," said Lincoln. "The heart of any city is its downtown area, and this money will help aid the city's ongoing revitalization efforts to create a strong, vibrant downtown community that East Arkansans can be proud of."

"Small businesses are vital to the economies of both our state and our nation," said Pryor. "These funds will serve as a catalyst for needed economic growth and development in downtown Helena-West Helena."

"This downtown redevelopment grant for Helena-West Helena will create a central location for businesses and patrons," said Berry. "By combining resources, the local small businesses in the area will benefit from a shared commitment to improving the community. Rural development grants have been greatly beneficial to Arkansas and this community will be no exception."

Business owners who want to apply for the revolving fund can contact Southern Financial Partners at 870-246-3945.

USDA Rural Development grants support public facilities and services, promote economic development, and offer technical assistance to help address the diverse and unique needs of rural communities.

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