News & Events

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON APPLICATION FOR DESHA-CB KING INFANT 

CENTER EXPANSION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM 

A public hearing will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 5:00 pm at the Desha County Quorum Court chamber 608 Robert S Moore Avenue Arkansas City, Arkansas 71630, for the purpose of identifying and prioritizing the community needs of Desha County and of determining whether an application for Arkansas Community and Economic Development Program (ACEDP) funds should be developed and if so, for expansion of the CB King Memorial School Infant Center to meet its 29% enrollment growth. Also, comments on proposed project activities will be discussed, especially those with possible impacts on the community, should the project receive funding. 

ACEDP funds are federal assistance received by the State of Arkansas and administered by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. These funds will be made available to cities and counties according to need and can be used for community facilities, public infrastructure, or economic development, but must address one of the following objectives: 

1. Provide benefit to low-and-moderate income families,

2. Aid in the prevention of slum and blight, or

3. Meet other community needs, which pose a serious, immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community where no other funding is available to meet such needs.

All residents of Desha County, Arkansas are encouraged to attend the hearing and participate in the community development process. The County Judge of Desha, Wayne Smith will provide technical assistance in developing proposals by groups representing low- and moderate-income persons. 

Individuals requiring physical or sensory accommodations including interpreter service, Braille, large print, or recorded materials, please contact Judge Wayne Smith at 608 Robert S. Moore Avenue, Arkansas City, Arkansas 71630 no later than July 9, 2026. Accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and non-English speaking individuals provided that seven-day notice is received by the County Judge's Office.