U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.2 Million for Road Infrastructure Improvements to Support Business Expansion in Wynne, Arkansas

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.2 million grant to the city of Wynne, Arkansas, for roadway infrastructure improvements needed to support business expansion in the region.

This grant will construct a new road to alleviate traffic congestion, helping the community rebuild following natural disasters while attracting new businesses to the area.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is a commitment to ensuring that communities in Arkansas and across the country have the resources needed to recover and rebuild after natural disasters,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “We know the financial and emotional impact that natural disasters have on communities all over America. This EDA investment will ensure that the people of Wynne have the infrastructure they need to support their families, communities, and growing economy in the aftermath of these tragedies.”

“The Economic Development Administration works closely with local communities to support place-based economic growth,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This investment will provide the city of Wynne with the foundation to attract new businesses and residents, helping to diversify the local economy.”

“As the chairman of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee, I know the importance of targeted investments in hard infrastructure projects like new road construction. While small compared to the enormous destruction wrought by the EF-3 tornado just over one year ago, this $1.2 million grant is crucial to the ongoing recovery of Wynne.  This community has worked extremely hard to overcome this terrible adversity and begin rebuilding its future. I appreciate EDA for answering the call and allocating this funding to help the good people of Arkansas’s First Congressional District,” said Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01).

This project is funded under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (PL 115-123) (PDF), in which Congress appropriated to EDA $600 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery as a result of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, wildfires, and other calendar year 2017 natural disasters under the Stafford Act.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.