This EDA investment supports the university of arkansas at little rock and the arkansas association of development organizations with enhancing disaster preparedness and short-term recovery…

The Economic Development Administration awarded the University of Arkansas System $487,000 on October 1, 2025, to enhance disaster preparedness and short-term recovery capabilities across Arkansas under the Economic Adjustment Assistance program (CFDA 11.307).

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock, doing business as UALR, will hire a team to collaborate with key partners in creating practical resources, providing training opportunities, and conducting strategic planning to increase statewide resilience and support communities during disaster response. Work performance occurs in Little Rock, Arkansas, with a period of performance through September 30, 2028. The project aims to boost economic resiliency, strengthen the regional economy, and support economic growth throughout the region.

Two sub-recipients deliver complementary work under the Statewide Emergency Recovery and Readiness Initiative (SERRI). The University of Arkansas–Fort Smith Center for Economic Development received a sub-award effective April 9, 2026. The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Center for Rural Resilience and Workforce Development received a sub-award effective March 30, 2026. Both sub-recipients engage in coordinated public-private partnerships, develop practical tools, and deploy technical assistance to enhance disaster preparedness and recovery statewide. AEDI serves as the lead implementing agency coordinating across the partnership.

This EDA investment supports the university of arkansas at little rock and the arkansas association of development organizations with enhancing disaster preparedness and short-term recovery capabilities across the state of arkansas. The project involves hiring a team to collaborate with key partners to create practical resources, provide training opportunities, and engage in strategic planning to increase statewide resilience and support communities during times of disaster. Once completed, the project will boost economic resiliency, strengthen the regional economy, and support economic growth throughout the region.