Arkansas Administrative Code Agency 213 - Department of Rural Services
Here’s a detailed overview of Arkansas Administrative Code – Agency 213 (Department of Rural Services):
🏛️ Agency & Authority
The Arkansas Department of Rural Services (DRS), formerly the Office of Rural Advocacy, assists rural communities (pop. ≤ 20,000) with grants and technical support. It was established under Act 302 of 1991 and, since 2015, merged into the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (regulations.justia.com).
The Arkansas Rural Development Commission (ARDC), appointed by the Governor (7), Senate President Pro-Tem (2), and Speaker (2), oversees the agency and meets regularly. Commissioners serve five years (regulations.justia.com).
📋 Key Rules of Agency 213
Rule 213.00.10-001 – Rural Services Block Grant Program (RSBGP)
Purpose: Partners with Economic Development Commission to fund rural infrastructure like community centers, fire stations, equipment, etc. (regulations.justia.com)
Eligibility:
Cities/towns with population < 3,000 in rural Arkansas (pop. < 20,000)
≥ 51% low-to-moderate income areas (verified via census) (regulations.justia.com)
Not currently part of certain overlapping categorical grants (regulations.justia.com)
Funding details:
Total pool: $700,000
Max per project: $75,000
Requires a 10% match (1:9 matching), in cash, in-kind labor/materials, or land (regulations.justia.com)
Professional requirements:
Architect required for projects > $100K; engineer for > $25K (regulations.justia.com)
Application process: Publication of public hearing, submission of original + copy, review by DRS/ARDC/Governor, grant agreements before work begins (regulations.justia.com)
Rule 213.00.10-002 – Wildlife Recreation Facilities Grant Program (WRFGP)
Purpose: Supports rural wildlife-related recreation facilities, in cooperation with Arkansas Game & Fish Commission and ARDC, such as ponds, access areas, piers, and ADA-compliant features (law.cornell.edu).
Eligibility:
Cities/towns < 20,000 population in rural areas; must own or have lease ≥ 10 years (law.cornell.edu).
Eligible costs: Construction/renovation, signage, parking, ADA access, design fees— but not land acquisition, salaries, maintenance, utilities, or equipment unrelated to construction (law.cornell.edu).
Limits: Design fees ≤ 10%; access infrastructure ≤ 20% (exceptions apply) (law.cornell.edu).
Funding limits: Up to $100,000 per project from Game Protection Fund (law.cornell.edu).
Prioritization: Projects emphasizing youth access, partnerships, volunteers, ADA compliance. Excludes projects funded within past 5 fiscal years or lacking completeness/documentation (law.cornell.edu).
Application process: Requires governing body approval, original + 2 copies, no work or purchases before grant receipt (law.cornell.edu).
🔁 Repealed GIF Grant Rules
Older grant rules—GIF-1 (Community Enhancement), GIF-2 (Fire Protection), GIF-3 (County Fair)—have been repealed but historically supported rural development (circa 2009-2010) (regulations.justia.com).
💡 How to Find More
For the most current details—including forms, deadlines, and application guides—visit:
Justia or Cornell LII for up-to-date rule text (e.g., Rules 213.00.10-001 & -002) (regulations.justia.com).
Arkansas Economic Development Commission (Rural Services Division) for grants, application packets, deadlines, and contacts (arkansasedc.com).
🗓️ Summary Table
Rule No.
Program
Max Award
Matching
Eligible Projects
–.10‑001
Rural Services Block Grant
$75K
Yes (10%)
Community centers, fire stations, equipment, renovation
–.10‑002
Wildlife Recreation Facilities
$100K
–
Ponds, fishing piers, boat launches, signage, ADA access
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