Arkansas Site Development Program

The Arkansas Site Development Program is intended to provide matching funding for site development improvement activities that will enhance industrial site readiness and competitiveness for job-creating projects. Eligibility Who can apply? Eligible applicants: counties in Arkansas An economic development organization A chamber of commerce What sites are eligible for consideration? Greenfield industrial sites Minimum of 30 acres contiguous land Only one site per applicant Owned or optioned by an eligible applicant (optioned land must be owned by the applicant by the time the grant agreement is executed) Listed on the Arkansas Site Selection Center Database What kinds of site development projects are eligible? Extension and improvement of public infrastructure to the site Right of way acquisition necessary for the eligible project Easement acquisition Soil borings and analysis Construction costs for site improvements including but not limited to: Drainage improvements Easements Dozer or dirt work Grading Site mitigation Site rehabilitation Costs associated with site due diligence studies Other site development related activities deemed necessary by the Commission to improve a site’s competitiveness What kinds of site development projects are NOT eligible? Purchase of property (except right of way or easements necessary for the site development project) Principal and interest on any financed debt Lease payments Salaries or benefits for employees Marketing or advertising Routine site repair and maintenance Expenditures incurred prior to the grant award What are the matching fund requirements and what is considered a matching fund? An eligible applicant must invest a match that is at least a minimum of 5% of the overall project cost estimate. The matching fund can be in the form of cash, in-kind donations, or a combination of both. Cash matching funds can be in the form of funds appropriated by the local governing body or invested by an economic development organization, nonprofit or for profit entity. In-kind matches can include professional or skilled labor donated to support the site development project activity identified in the application. Click here for the full program rules. Application Process How can I apply? Interested applicants should submit their intent to apply for the Arkansas Site Development program by October 3, 2025 using the link below. After the intent to apply form is submitted, applicants will receive a unique link to submit your application and supporting documentation. Applications and supporting documentation are due by 5pm central time on Friday, November 7, 2025. What supporting documents are needed for my application? Arkansas Site Development Application Excel Sheet Project Budget (with total estimated costs, sources of funds, matching funds, and amount of funding requested) Any quotes or price comparisons for eligible project costs Notarized Affidavit for any in-kind match Project Timeline with Milestones Topography Map Wetlands Map Floodplain Map Zoning Map Utility Map with lines and line sizes identified Transportation Map with roads and number of lanes identified Aerial photographs with site boundaries identified Parcel Map with all property in the site that is has a right of first refusal Legal description of the property Deed of current ownership or option to purchase property, if applicable Copies of any due diligence studies All supporting documents should be numbered and should clearly identify the Applicant and the type of document being submitted. For example: 1 Hope, Arkansas Project Budget. What is the Application Process Timeline? Program Opens: August 25, 2025