White River Planning & Development District, Inc.

  • Delta Regional Authority (DRA) announced on October 6, 2022 that $1.7 million will be invested into five Arkansas infrastructure projects through DRA’s Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF). The investment will be matched by $3 million and will attract an additional $23 million in capital investments. The CIF program addresses unmet basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, and flood control needs to help build safer, more resilient communities in the Delta region. These projects are expected to create or retain 71 jobs and affect over 1,150 families.  For more Information click here.

  • The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) announced on September 29, 2022 a $2,674,232 investment that will boost economic development and improve the quality of life for Arkansas communities and residents. The investment will be matched by $7,778,196 and will attract an additional $65,000 in leveraged private investment (LPI) into seven Arkansas communities.  For more information click here.

  • General Assistance Grants Funded by AEDC:

    Stone County - Dorcas House Improvements - $300,000
    Independence County Senior Center Construction - $300,000
    Letona Sewer Improvements - $191,392
    Pangburn Sewer Improvements - $300,000
    Newport Sewer Improvements - $300,000
    Sulphur Rock Sewer Improvements - $294,365
    Woodruff County Food Pantry Improvements - $300,000

  • Delta Regional Authority (DRA) recently announced a $3,239,382 investment that will boost economic development and improve the quality of life for Arkansas communities and residents. The investment will be matched by $7.1 million and will attract an additional $45.8 million in leveraged private investment (LPI) into the Arkansas Delta.  For more information click here. 

  • Child Care Aware of Northcentral AR is among a very small group of companies that have won the Best of Conway Award for two consecutive years. We are so proud of our team at the Conway office: Carol L. Crockett office manager, Caley Denning, resource center manager and Dana Cockrum, support staff!! Our staff works hard to serve the early care and education community. Way to go ladies of CCA!!!

  • In accordance with the provisions of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, the North Central Arkansas Workforce Development Board Regional and Local Plan for Program Years 2020 through 2023 is available for review.  To view a copy of the plan, click here

  • Arkansas CEDS Project:  The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a planning process and document that afford local governments within each Economic Development District (EDD) eligibility for EDA capital improvement funds.  For more information, click here


As diverse as its geography, WRPDD's ten counties and 6,782 square miles feature the rich history and fertile soils of the Mississippi Delta on the south and east with the panoramic beauty of the Ozark Mountains on the north and west.

The Ozark Mountains, famous for their natural beauty and crystal clear rivers and streams, draw over two million tourists annually for the sights, sounds, outdoor fun, traditions and crafts handed down over generations – or just the peaceful solitude of waking up to songbirds in harmony with a quiet mountain stream. In contrast, WRPDD’s delta counties are as famous for their festivals, food and duck hunting as they are for agriculture. But that is only the District at a glance.

Within this setting lies a vibrant economic balance of industry, forestry, agriculture and tourism that provides stability even during a struggling economy. Natural gas exploration in the Fayetteville Shale region of the District has proved to be an economic boon that will continue to be for years to come. Cutting edge industries like bio-fuels, state-of-the art customer call centers, and manufacturers like Bad Boy Mowers are examples of the positive business climate in the District.

Supporting business and industry growth is a large network of public and private universities and community colleges engaged in education and training for jobs in the District’s ten-county service area. Health care in the District offers a modern system of regional care centers and rural satellite centers connected by modern telecommunications.

But the White River District’s most valuable asset is its quality of life. For raising a family, retiring or just putting down roots, WRPDD’s ten counties offer a climate for all seasons, a safe and healthy environment, excellent schools and medical care, and unlimited opportunities for fun and recreation. Our lower cost of living – from housing to taxes to energy costs – is also a pleasant surprise.

For more information about the opportunities that this region of Arkansas has to offer, Contact Us or visit the web sites below:

Serving Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Sharp, Stone, Van Buren, White and Woodruff Counties in north central Arkansas.

PO Box 2396 ▪ Batesville, AR 72503
Telephone 870-793-5233
Fax 870-793-4035 ▪ © Copyright 2013
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