This EDA investment supports garland county with constructing the southwest trail, a multi-use trail from little rock to hot springs, arkansas

The Economic Development Administration awarded a $1.25 million Project Grant to Garland County, Arkansas under the Economic Adjustment Assistance program on July 19, 2022. The funding will support construction of the Southwest Trail, a multi-use trail connecting Little Rock to Hot Springs. The trail aims to attract more tourists to west central Arkansas and enhance the visitor experience in Hot Springs by offering additional outdoor recreation opportunities. This aligns with the program's focus on assisting regions facing adverse economic impacts, as the local tourism industry was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Once completed, the trail is expected to draw more visitors to the state and advance the region's economic resiliency through increased tourism activity in Hot Springs.

The project provides an alternative way to attract tourists to the west central arkansas area, after the industry was impacted by the covid-19 pandemic, by offering more outdoor recreation activities. In addition to this regional impact, the project will have a statewide economic impact by drawing tourists to the state to engage in outdoor recreation. Once completed, the project will enhance the visitor experience in hot springs, which will assist in the area's recovery and make IT more resilient to fluctuations in tourism and advance economic resiliency throughout the region.