Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Dec. 23, 2024 – The Craighead County Quorum sent out contracts for the leftover $4.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds on Friday, after discussion about what to do with the money during the court’s Dec. 16 meeting.
Craighead County Judge Marvin Day said the contracts for both grants had been sent, now the county was just waiting for them to be signed and returned.
The county had until Dec. 31 to get all the paperwork signed and turned in, so a decision had to be made quickly. While he said that they have been in talks with both entities for about a year, they had to complete all their ongoing projects, such as the heat and air systems in county offices, before they could get the exact amount leftover, which was $4,342,348.18.
“We spent everything we could spend in the County Government and gave over what was left to these projects,” Day said. “We wanted to get everything done so that we knew the exact amount.”
The grants were divided between two projects. The first project was a workforce training center for adults by Arkansas State University, which was awarded $2 million and the second was a new industrial recruit by Jonesboro Unlimited and City Water and Light, which was awarded $2,342,348.18.
Day also noted that the money would remain in the county’s account until the entities spent the money and sent the county the bill, after which the county will reimburse them with the ARPA funds.
A-State Chief Marketing & Communications Officer Todd Clark said A-State appreciates Craighead County’s support of its workforce development partnership with Arkansas Northeastern College and ASU-Newport.
“Our initial workforce development focus will be steel production, advanced manufacturing, and food processing,” he continued. “The program is designed to provide ‘stackable’ credentials for employees looking to enter the workforce or progress in their careers. Offerings will range from entry-level badges of proficiency to management and advanced metallurgy degrees. Together, we will create opportunities that fuel economic vitality and a brighter future for Northeast Arkansas.”
Clark added that the university will be releasing more details about the program soon.
Vice President of Economic Development for Jonesboro Unlimited Steven Lamm said on Monday that the organization was grateful for Craighead County’s longstanding partnership.
“We are grateful for Craighead County’s longstanding partnership in developing the high-quality industrial properties located inside the Craighead Technology Park,” Lamm said. “These funds will be utilized in conjunction with state, federal, and other sources to expand water service inside the Industrial Park to our most recently acquired acreages.”
More: Craighead County Quorum Court sets tax rates and discusses ARPA funds – Jonesboro Right Now