ARKANSAS, USA — More than $10 million, along with an additional $5 million expected in late 2024, from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) will be distributed across Arkansas to prevent electrical outages and enhance the state's electric grid.
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) announced they were accepted for the 2024 Grid Enhancement Grant on April 4. Now, they are taking applications from any interested entities in the Natural State.
"A year ago, Arkansans united to support the citizens and communities affected by the devastating tornadoes," Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. "Today, the grid funding is one more way the state continues to recover and prepare as we enhance our electric infrastructure across Arkansas. Strengthening our electric grid will protect Arkansans for years to come."
The grant— which is provided by the DOE through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act— has the goal of strengthening the country's power grid against natural disasters.
Although its main focus is enhancing utilities, the grant can also go toward electric grid operators, electricity storage operators, electricity generators, transmission owners and operators, distribution providers, and fuel suppliers.
DFA says they have coordinated with other state departments and industry stakeholders to launch a plan to make the grant accessible for small and large utility companies.
"Grid funding will allow utility providers and others to supplement investments to increase the certainty and reliability of services at lower costs to the citizens," Becky Keogh, infrastructure coordinator for the state of Arkansas, said. "Providing funding to rural portions of the state is especially important to ensure we are prepared in every area if the state faces a natural disaster."
Proposals to receive funding for utility infrastructure investments in Arkansas are now being accepted by the DFA. The deadline to submit a proposal is July 19. For more information, visit the DFA's website.
For questions about eligibility or the application process, email infrastructure@dfa.arkansas.gov.
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