On September 10, 2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded a $600,000 grant to the Arkansas Association of Development Organizations Inc. to aid disaster recovery in Lonoke, Arkansas, following the devastating tornadoes that struck the area in December 2021. This grant will be matched with $160,000 in local funds, bringing the total investment to $760,000 aimed at revitalizing the local economy [bb5dc865]. Cristina Killingsworth, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs, emphasized that this funding is crucial for restoring economic stability in the region [bb5dc865].
This investment in Lonoke is part of a broader initiative by the U.S. Department of Commerce to support communities affected by natural disasters. For instance, on August 27, 2024, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced a $1.2 million grant for the Cuero Chamber of Commerce in Texas, aimed at enhancing tourism and business growth through the renovation of a visitor's center and multipurpose space [8336f1f4]. This project is expected to create and retain 105 jobs and generate $25 million in private investment, showcasing the federal government's commitment to empowering economically distressed communities [8336f1f4].
Additionally, the EDA recently allocated $2.1 million for Belen, New Mexico, to bolster economic resilience in agriculture and ecotourism following wildfires in 2023. This funding, matched with $634,150 in local contributions, is projected to create nine jobs and stimulate $400,000 in private investment [f59fa9d2]. These efforts reflect a concerted strategy to enhance disaster recovery and economic development across various regions, particularly those that have faced significant challenges due to environmental disasters [f59fa9d2].
