Rosston applying for ACEDC grant

By John Miller, 03/23/23 10:36 AM

ROSSTON – A public meeting was held at the Rosston Fire Station to discuss applying for a $500,000 grant and what the money should be used for if approved.

Rosston Mayor Dale Quarles said this is a funding opportunity the community doesn’t want to miss as it allows for the identification of needs in Rosston. The grant, through the Arkansas Community Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC) will allow one funded project to be done with the money. Rosston residents were on hand to talk about what said project should be. Quarles said the money could be used to rehabilitate houses and other economic development as long as it benefits low income families. The ACEDC grant, he said, is federal money administered by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC).

He suggested the city apply for the grant and use the money, if approved, to upgrade the water system. “We must be precise in what we choose,” he said, “and the public needs to decide.” He pointed out he funds could be used to build a community center. However, those present agreed improving the water system should come first.

Logan Moss said the water system is a big deal and impacts not only everyone in Rosston but all customers on the rural water system. He said it would help the city improve the piping and water quality.

Quarles agreed adding the money could be used to purchase a generator that would kick on when the power goes out so residents would still have water. With the current generator, someone has to manually start it during power outages. In addition, funds could be used to include a chlorine injection system to help purify the water.

Moss pointed out $500,000 is more than enough for a generator and the rest could be used in other areas.

One of the problems Rosston has with its water system is exposed pipes and pipes in running creeks. These issues lead to the pipes being damaged and leaking. Quarles said an engineer could come down, look at the current design and figure out how to correct the issue. This, he continued, could require burying pipes deeper and boring in some areas.

Quarles said the grant could also be used to expand the fire department or build a community center, but he’d rather focus on the water situation at this time.

The dozen or so people present agreed. The next step is to fill out the application and get it sent in prior to April 14. A resolution must be approved by the Rosston City Council at its April meeting before the application can be filed.