This EDA investment supports saline county with preserving and repurposing the second oldest bridge in the state of arkansas, the old river bridge, over the saline river between haskell and benton

The Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded a $1.25 million Project Grant to Saline County, Arkansas under the Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program on July 19, 2022. The funding will support preserving and repurposing the Old River Bridge, the second oldest bridge in the state of Arkansas, located over the Saline River between Haskell and Benton. The restored bridge will be incorporated into the proposed Southwest Trail, a multi-use trail connecting Little Rock to Hot Springs intended to draw tourists to the state. The EDA investment is expected to have statewide and regional economic impacts by supporting outdoor recreation and increasing the region's resilience to fluctuations in tourism. Upon completion, the project will help advance economic resiliency and increase employment opportunities in the area.

The restored bridge will be a critical link in the proposed southwest trail, a multi-use trail from little rock to hot springs. The project will have a statewide economic impact as well as regional impact by drawing tourists to the state to engage in outdoor recreation. Once completed, the project will help the region become more resilient to fluctuations in tourism and assist in the region's recovery, which will help increase employment opportunities and advance economic resiliency in the area.