Investments by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) in Arkansas are helping promote growth and progress that improve quality of life across our state. Already this year, grants to educate healthcare professionals in Newport, water infrastructure improvements in Trumann and tornado recovery efforts in Jonesboro have been awarded. I’m proud to advocate for these projects and enhancements to EDA so it can continue to boost economic success in Natural State communities.
The EDA has helped support a wide range of economic development projects since it was created in 1965, yet it’s been nearly 20 years since Congress reauthorized EDA. We must use this opportunity to update the agency’s programs and ensure it has the tools and resources to achieve its mission. I’m championing a legislative initiative to modernize and strengthen the vital services it provides.
My colleagues on the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee and I recently advanced the Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 2024. This legislation would reform some of the agency’s programs and authorize activities such as workforce development and disaster assistance.
I’m pleased this legislation includes a measure I advocated to specify EDA’s role in economic recovery for communities impacted by natural disasters.
Arkansans are too familiar with the devastation caused by Mother Nature. Each time our state has been impacted by weather events, the EDA’s leadership has been crucial to repairing, restoring and rebuilding in the aftermath. That’s why we need to formally designate an Office of Disaster Recovering and Resilience within the EDA, which would enable us to harness the institutional knowledge that can help expedite resources on the ground where the need is urgent.