Clark County is among 22 other communities throughout Arkansas set to receive a site development grant through the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), state officials announced Wednesday, April 29.
The Arkansas Site Development Program is awarding $25 million to public entities throughout the state. The Economic Development Corp. of Clark County is set to receive $3,792,543.
The EDCCC made application for a grant in November 2025, asking $5,887,602.76 for site improvements and due diligence to the Southwest Arkansas Mega Site. The 15-member EDCCC board approved the grant submission along with a 20% match up to $1,177,590.
“We’re pleased to have been awarded a Site Development Grant from the AEDC to support continued site development in Clark County,” said Shelley Short, CEO of the Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance. “The awarding of this grant is an indicator of AEDC’s continued support of our efforts to provide a top-tier site that will be attractive to new industry partners. It also stands as visible symbol of our commitment to future readiness and competitiveness.”
The Southwest Arkansas Mega Site, a 991-acre site located in Gum Springs southwest of the intersection of U.S. Highway 67 and Arkansas Highway 26, recently became the topic of community interest when, in mid-April, the EDCCC gave the nod to sell the property to an unnamed buyer for the development of a data center.
Short said the EDCCC applied for the grant prior to Project Pulse entering the picture. “Once Project Pulse completes its due diligence and makes a decision, we will notify AEDC if the grant is no longer needed,” Short said. “If Pulse does not move forward, the funding will remain available to continue site improvements.”
AEDC received a total of 29 applications for the latest round of the Arkansas Site Development Program, totaling $73,891,055 in requested funding.
To qualify for the program, applicants must have an industrial site of at least 30 contiguous acres of land that is listed on the Arkansas Site Selection Database and that is owned or optioned by the applicant. Eligible applicants include cities and counties, chambers of commerce, and economic development organizations.
The funds can be used for a range of site development projects, including the extension and improvement of public infrastructure to the site; right of way acquisition; easement acquisition; soil borings and analysis; construction costs for site improvements, including drainage improvements, easement, dozer or dirt work, grading, site mitigation, and site rehabilitation; due diligence study costs; and other site development-related activities deemed necessary by AEDC to improve a site’s competitiveness.
First announced in June 2024, the Arkansas Site Development Program was developed by AEDC with the support of Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas General Assembly. In the first round of the Arkansas Site Development Program, AEDC awarded $10 million to 13 Arkansas communities in December 2024. Another round of funding totaling $25 million will be awarded in FY 2027.
Other entities receiving grants in this round are:
- Bradley County Economic Development Corporation – $14,241
- City of Bentonville – $142,500
- City of Berryville – $1,000,000
- City of De Queen – $79,290
- City of England – $75,872
- City of Jacksonville – $51,800
- City of Pocahontas – $1,269,054
- City of Prescott – $52,250
- City of Russellville – $237,546
- Conway County Economic Development Corporation – $1,668,355
- Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County, Arkansas – $128,440
- El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce – $9,025
- Forward Searcy, Inc. – $680,010
- Grant County Industrial Development Corporation – $1,392,999
- Hempstead County Economic Development Commission – $340,833
- Hot Spring County – $530,000
- Hot Springs Metro Partnership – $2,123,972
- Jonesboro Unlimited – $3,010,000
- Little Rock Port Authority – $6,522,727
- Mississippi County Economic Development – $1,030,743
- Newport Economic Development Commission – $262,800
- Stuttgart Industrial Development Corporation – $585,000
“Every success story starts with a strong foundation, and the Arkansas Site Development Program helps communities build the groundwork essential to keep attracting businesses to our state,” said Gov. Sanders. “From company-ready sites to our low income taxes and pro-business environment, Arkansas is creating the framework for business success, driving economic growth, and expanding opportunity for generations to come.”
Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald added: “The Arkansas Site Development Program is an investment in the long-term growth of our state. Thanks to the leadership of Governor Sanders and the Arkansas General Assembly, the state is partnering with 22 Arkansas communities to take measurable steps and create the conditions necessary to become more economically competitive and win projects. Arkansas is among the top states for its economic outlook, and this program positions us for even greater success in the future, leading to better outcomes for Arkansans and businesses in the state.”