LITTLE ROCK, AR- Governor Mike Beebe and Department of Rural Services Director Butch Calhoun presented $165,985.97 to 20 rural communities selected for Fiscal Year 2011 Cycle 3 funding through the Arkansas Rural Community Grant Program at an awards ceremony on May 26, 2011 held at the Arkansas Rural Development Conference in Hot Springs.

In attendance were representatives receiving an Arkansas Rural Community Development Grant award on behalf of Foreman in Little River County. The City of Foreman received $11,787.50 to place a fence around the softball field located in the city park.

This year's conference, hosted by the Department of Rural Services and the Arkansas Rural Development Commission, was held May 24th - May 26th. 2011. Keynote speakers throughout the conference included Governor Mike Beebe, Secretary of State Mark Martin, and Senator Bill Sample. Also in attendance were over 60 state legislators and over 700 mayors, county judges, fire services personnel, state and federal agency representatives and local community leaders representing all corners of rural Arkansas. Our Rural Advocate of the Year is Bob Summerville with Arkansas Forestry Commission. Mr. Summerville was awarded with a plaque during the luncheon on Wednesday.

The Department of Rural Services works in partnership with the Arkansas Rural Development Commission to administer the Arkansas Rural Community Grant Programs in three cycles each year. Incorporated cities and towns and unincorporated communities in rural areas of less than 3,000 in population are eligible to apply for assistance through the mayor or county judge's office.

For more information about the Department of Rural Services and their grant programs contact Butch Calhoun at 1-888-RURAL-AR.