County staff eyes state grant to upgrade fairgrounds shelter; requests guidance on local match

County staff told the quorum court they plan to apply for the Arkansas Community Assistance Grant Program to improve the fairgrounds community building used as the county's main shelter and to bolster accessibility and safety.

Melissa described the grant window and scope: "It is available for up to $1.5 million on each application. However, we do not want to request that much. Um, it does have a 20% match." She said the application window closes Aug. 15 and the grant can span up to 24 months. Staff said they will work with an architect (the same firm engaged on the courthouse project) to produce cost estimates and that the architect's fee could be reimbursed through the grant if awarded.

Melissa identified initial priorities: replace or rebuild an exterior wooden ramp to meet ADA standards, add accessible parking, pave the gravel exterior access to the lower entrance, and address slippery flooring in the downstairs shelter area (textured floors similar to recent courthouse work). She said the county would like to apply annually to build sheltering capacity over time.

The County Judge offered to contribute paving funds from the road department's green fuel sales tax line to offset match costs and flagged other potential local funds (tribal, ARPA-type funds) as possible match sources. Committee members requested cost estimates and a resolution before formal application and agreed staff should return in July or August with numbers and a proposed match amount.

What happens next: Staff will obtain cost estimates, prepare required resolutions, and return with a recommended match level and timeline; the application deadline is Aug. 15.