JONESBORO, Ark. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded $4 million in grants to two Arkansas organizations to help communities and regions improve their economic competitiveness.
Officials announced Monday East Arkansas Planning and Development District received $2.6 million and Metropolitan was given $1.4 million from the Sustainable Communities Planning Grant program.
HUD officials say the East Arkansas Planning and Development District will use the money to develop a consortium sustainability plan that will integrate housing, land use, economic development, transportation and infrastructure investments.
Metropolitan will use its award to develop "Metro 2040: Blueprint for a Sustainable Region," a regional sustainability plan for the central Arkansas region. It's aimed at addressing transportation, housing, development patterns, health and environmental needs and economic development.
Nationwide, $96 million was awarded to 30 states.
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