Tracee Mckenna News Today

"This gets the residents out of these homes that are in the floodway and in harms way," said Tracee McKenna, with the Western Arkansas Planning and Development District.

FORT SMITH -- The Western Arkansas Planning and Development District reported helping secure over $1.8 million more in grant money for entities in its service area this year compared to last year.

Sebastian Countys second-largest city approved buying property for a new senior center last week after nearly an hour of spirited discussion.

GREENWOOD -- Sebastian Countys second-largest city is ready to make a deal on property for a new senior center.

The city is looking at purchasing and renovating a commercial property for a new senior center.

City Directors have agreed to submit a grant to the Federal Emergency Management Administration to help purchase and remove 12 homes in the city's flood plain.

If approved, approximately $1.9 million would be used to purchase 11 homes that often flood in Fort Smith.

Why is the city of Fort Smith planning to buy 12 homes?

Breakdown by county Amounts in grants awarded to entities in each county in 2021 with the help of the Western Arkansas Planning and Development District:

FORT SMITH -- The Western Arkansas Planning and Development District helped secure more than $3.3 million for projects in its service area last year.