West Central Planning & Development District

economic development

Learn More Community & Economic Development  Learn More Solid Waste Learn More Workforce Development Learn More Tri-Lakes MPO Learn More Hazard Mitigation & Disaster Relief About Us West Central Arkansas Planning and Development District, Inc. (WCAPDD) was originally established as one of eight economic development districts in the State of Arkansas and incorporated in 1967. WCAPDD exists for the purpose of improving and enhancing the social and economic well-being of the people in our ten county region. As a not-for-profit economic development corporation, the WCAPDD provides its member cities and counties with technical assistance to obtain funding for public improvement projects, including infrastructure such as water, wastewater and industrial park improvements, that will directly create jobs in our ten-county region.  We also assist our members with community development projects, such as parks and senior citizen’s centers, to improve the quality of life for citizens in our service area. Service Area: Johnson Pope Conway Yell Perry  Montgomery Garland Hot Spring Pike  Clark Services Grant preparation and administration is one of the many services West Central provides to their members. Receiving funding is always good news to any community; however, administrative guidelines of grant programs must be followed to make the project a reality. These administrative services include helping communities and counties to establish development priorities through public hearings and other types of public participation processes; helping establish the eligibility of projects for funding under the guidelines of various appropriate funding programs; investigating, applying for, and leveraging funds among various funding sources to achieve the optimum benefits for our member communities; completing environmental reviews, assisting with the bidding process, organizing requests for payment applications; assisting with acquisition, complying with labor standards, and completing the project close out. Typical projects administered are; Infrastructure improvements such as water and wastewater treatment facilities Public facilities such as senior centers, daycare centers, parks, walking/hiking/bicycle trails, county health units, community buildings, fire stations and storm safe rooms Economic development projects which center around the creation of jobs, typically infrastructure improvements. The District also participates in securing and administering funds for projects such as building and equipment purchases, facility expansions and other activities for local and regional industries and businesses, which help retain, expand and develop new job opportunities in West Central Arkansas. Our services also include private sector assistance to small businesses through our WCAPDD Revolving Loan Fund. *Some photos courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism