EPA provides $100 million grant to Arkansas three-district coalition, more than $45 million to central Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A coalition representing roughly half of the Arkansas population has received a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to improve the Natural State’s sustainability.

Metroplan announced the grant award for its Energy and Environmental Innovation for the Natural State proposal. The grant, which is actually $99,999,999, will fund coalition projects in central and northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas River Valley.

Officials said the coalition partnered with over 50 communities, agencies, and organizations across the three regions. Officials said the grant would be divided between regions based on population, with central Arkansas receiving $45.2 million, River Valley, representing Fort Smith, receiving $14.5 million, and northwest Arkansas receiving $36.25 million.

Metroplan Little Rock executive director Casey Covington outlined projects planned for the central Arkansas region as the organization prepares to announce its final plans next week.

Covington said $6 million of the regi...