About Recovery

Welcome to Recovery.Arkansas.Gov, the State of Arkansas’s web site devoted solely to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in the Natural State. Here, you’ll find information on the wide variety of projects and programs being funded by the Recovery Act in Arkansas, from broad overviews of major programs such as the Recovery Act’s support for education, to vendor-specific information on where and how Recovery Act dollars are being spent. Over the course of the Recovery Act, information presented on this site will change, as new programs begin, funds are invested in Arkansas’s economy and the mission of the Recovery Act is carried out.

Overview

The Recovery Act is not like earlier attempts to revive the nation’s economy. It is not a one-time infusion of federal funds. Instead, the Recovery Act is a long-term effort to both restore economic expansion in the short-term as well as prepare the nation’s economy for stable, healthy long-term growth. Under the terms of the Recovery Act, support for Arkansas’s economy will include both investments made directly by the federal government and investments of federal funds that are made under the oversight of Arkansas’s state government. This means that state government here in Arkansas has control over only a portion of the Recovery Act funds invested in the state. This web site will focus on those funds that Arkansas’s state government is required to oversee. Information on Recovery Act funds provided by the federal government, including funds invested directly in the State’s economy, can be found at http://Recovery.Gov/

Currently, the state of Arkansas is expected to receive $3.17 billion in one-time, additional federal revenues, as administered by state government, over the life of the Recovery Act.

The Recovery Act requires states like Arkansas meet unprecedented standards for accountability and transparency in tracking where and how Recovery Act funds are spent. In Arkansas, Governor Mike Beebe has asked that state government meet an even higher standard in order to safeguard the taxpayers’ investment. Since the Recovery Act began in 2009 and as it continues in the coming months and years, Arkansas’s state government will strive to meet the demands of both the federal government and the people of Arkansas is providing valuable, timely information on the Recovery Act. This web site just a part of that effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act intended to do?

The Recovery Act is intended to do four things:

  • Preserve and create jobs to promote economic recovery
  • Provide investments in technological advances in science and health
  • Invest in transportation, environmental protection and other long-term infrastructure improvements.
  • Stabilize state and local government budgets

What does the funding mean for Arkansas?

Much of the funding made available to Arkansas must flow through existing federal programs, which limit where and how these funds can be used. Where possible, state government has invested funds in projects and initiatives that will lay the groundwork for future economic growth in Arkansas. Initially, investments focused on infrastructure improvements, including a series of bridge, road and highway improvements that can be found all over the state. Other such projects include the expansion of broadband internet access and the improvement of school buildings and facilities. More information can be found on this web site under the “Programs & Projects” and the “Transparency” links at the top of the screen.

How will Arkansas spend the federal economic stimulus funds?

The law requires that funds are invested rapidly to create the most immediate impact on the economy. The Act states: "Recipients shall give preference to activities that can be started and completed expeditiously." There are 2 types of grants: Formula and Competitive. Formula or entitlement grants were to be made available within 30 days of passage of the Act, while Competitive (applicant) grants were to be awarded within 90 days. These grants contain "Use it or Lose it" clauses which requires recipients to enter into binding contracts within one year of enactment of the Act for 50% of the funds, and within two years for the remainder of the funds.

How will Arkansas decide which projects and programs will receive Recovery Act funds?

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act requires that projects meet certain criteria to be eligible for funding. The act also limits how and when the federal government will distribute these funds. The funding for many projects will be based on existing formulas, including Medicaid, unemployment insurance and funding for K-12 schools.

What accountability and transparency steps will be put in place?

Taxpayers will be able to track the funds both at a state and national level and will be able to see to whom the funds were awarded and the amount of the awards. In addition, both state and federal governments will have significant monitoring, reporting and risk management responsibilities to protect against fraud, mismanagement and waste.