Jonesboro Unlimited (JU) was awarded $3,010,000 by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders along with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) through the Arkansas Site Development Program in a presentation at the State Capitol on April 28, 2026.
Jonesboro Unlimited will use these funds to begin extending wastewater lines to the 612-acre Craighead Technology Park South (CTP) to further develop it for future industrial growth. Previously, Jonesboro Unlimited was awarded $2 million in 2024 to support expanding a waterline extension and system enhancements to the same site. This will now extend City Water and Light’s (CWL) significant capacity in CTP South.
“We are thrilled to again receive funds from the Arkansas Site Development Program for improving the readiness of our 612-acre property in the Craighead Technology Park,” said Steven Lamm, JU Vice President of Economic Development. “With our waterline extension nearing completion, this award will increase wastewater access for future industrial users at this site. CTP South stands out from its peer locations as a prime opportunity in our multi-state region, and with the enhancements made through AEDC, CWL, and other partners, we will further increase its competitive attributes. Thanks to Governor Sanders, the Legislature, and AEDC for this program – these funds will have a powerful impact on economic development in communities across Arkansas, and we are thankful to have qualified.”
First announced in 2024, the program was developed by the AEDC with the support of Governor Sanders and the Arkansas General Assembly to help local communities compete and win economic development projects. To qualify, applicants must have an industrial site of at least 30 contiguous acres of land that is listed in the Arkansas Site Selection Database and that is owned or optioned by the applicant. Eligible applicants include cities and counties, chambers of commerce, and economic development organizations. This year, Jonesboro Unlimited was among 21 others for awards totaling $25 million.
