There is a lot of noise in Washington right now, but community project funding can quietly deliver where it matters most: right in our backyards. While national headlines churn with partisan fear mongering and political theater, this targeted funding is poised to make a tangible difference in communities across America, including in the Third District of Arkansas.
Each year, members of Congress submit requests for what is known as Community Project Funding—an opportunity to direct federal resources toward projects spotlighted by elected officials with firsthand knowledge of their communities’ most urgent needs.
Far from being political pork, these projects are typically infrastructure-related and have been identified by individual members of Congress as meaningful opportunities to maximize federal investment.
At first glance, it may seem hypocritical to spend federal dollars given the nation’s bloated debt and deficit. However, these funds do not increase overall spending, instead they use funding that otherwise would be controlled by the Executive Branch. Put another way, if not allocated toward projects requested by specific members, the money would instead be spent by the federal agency with jurisdiction – leaving its fate in the hands of government bureaucrats who don’t know the difference between Benton County in Northwest Arkansas and Benton city in Saline County.
As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Subcommittee, I have a strong voice in determining how our taxpayer dollars are invested.
I’m proud to announce that for the upcoming fiscal year, I’ve secured more than $108 million in Community Project Funding to support 15 projects across Arkansas’ Third District. This funding is included in bills approved by the full Appropriations Committee and represent a meaningful commitment to the people I serve.
Many of these projects address the unprecedented growth of Northwest Arkansas. With an estimated 36 new residents added each day, it is now the 18th fastest-growing metropolitan area in the United States. This rapid expansion brings great economic promise, but to fully realize it, we must prioritize infrastructure improvements.
This is why I secured funding for critical transportation upgrades in my THUD funding bill. The Arkansas Department of Transportation received $3 million for construction improvements along Highway 112, another $3 million to support development of future Interstate 49, and $59 million for the Springdale Northern Bypass. These investments will reshape the skyline in cities like Alma, attracting new businesses and stimulating long-term economic growth. In addition, $6.5 million was allocated to repair two high-traffic bridges in Farmington, boosting safety and easing travel.
Beyond transportation, I secured over $41 million in clean water and wastewater infrastructure funding to upgrade aging treatment systems. These funds are set to go to the Benton County Water District and the cities of Elkins, Fort Smith, Huntsville, Mountainburg, Springdale, and Tontitown.
I also secured $1.25 million for fire station renovations in Northeast Benton County, along with $2.75 million to construct a new fire station in Pea Ridge. These emergency service improvements will enhance response times and better serve the residents, schools, and businesses that make up these communities.
Ensuring our neighbors have access to basic needs, I secured $500,000 for the City of Mulberry to upgrade its Community Food Pantry. This funding will help address food insecurity, expanding and strengthening the food bank’s programs.
Mercy Hospital Berryville received $1.376 million to establish a permanent MRI unit. Currently, Berryville patients needing MRI services must travel to larger out-of-town hospitals to receive the service, creating an extra layer of stress. With this new unit, patients in Caroll Country will have access to critical imaging locally, accelerating diagnoses and treatment.
Without community project funding requests, many of these initiatives would be overlooked by larger government agencies. This is not because they lack value, but because smaller communities often do not have the grant-writing resources or staff needed to compete for funding. These requests allow me to elevate critical local projects and make sure they receive well-deserved support.
The next challenge is one I’m working on day in and day out—final passage of the bills that include this funding. My hope is that the hundreds of other members of Congress who have submitted similar requests will be equally motivated to pass the legislation, not only to fund the government, but also to deliver meaningful results for the areas we represent. It’s time Congress cuts through the political noise and funds the projects that matter the most in our communities.
Editor’s note: U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, is a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, and chairman of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Subcommittee. The opinions expressed are those of the author.