Berryville Awarded $1 Million for Business Park Upgrades

BERRYVILLE, AR. - The City of Berryville is set to receive a significant boost for its local economy, securing a $1 million grant from the State of Arkansas. This funding, announced at the State Capitol, will be used to improve and expand the city's water and sewer systems within its business park. The goal is to ensure there's enough capacity to support new businesses and continued growth.

Berryville was one of 22 communities awarded a total of $25 million through the Arkansas Site Development Program. Governor Sarah Sanders and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) highlighted how these grants help communities prepare land for new businesses.

Berryville Mayor Tim McKinney expressed gratitude for the AEDC's support. "This funding will help us expand our business park infrastructure," he said, also crediting the City Council's foresight. Mayor McKinney specifically praised Dean Lee, the city's economic development director, for successfully securing two grants and building strong relationships that led to this funding.

Governor Sanders emphasized the importance of the program. "Every success story starts with a strong foundation, and this program helps communities build the groundwork to attract businesses to our state," she stated.

This isn't Berryville's first time benefiting from the program. The city received $400,000 from the initial round of funding in 2024. Dean Lee noted that this new investment shows confidence in Berryville's efforts. "Their support reflects confidence in the foundation we've built and the long-term potential of this project. This investment positions our site to be fully shovel ready," Lee added.

To qualify for the program, communities need an industrial site of at least 30 acres listed on the Arkansas Site Selection Database. The funds can cover various costs, including extending public utilities, acquiring land, and preparing sites for construction.

Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald believes the program is a smart investment in the state's future. Clint O'Neal, AEDC executive director, added, "The work we do today developing sites will lead to more and better job opportunities for Arkansans in the coming years."