BANKS, Ark. – (3-11-26) — The Town of Banks has recently received two grants aimed at improving fire protection and emergency response capabilities for the community’s volunteer fire department.
The larger of the two awards is a $89,999.99 Rural Services Block Grant from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Rural Services Division. The funding will be used to complete electrical and interior work at the town’s new fire station, along with additional improvements to the facility.
In a letter dated March 10, 2026, Rural Services Director Becca Caldwell informed Banks Mayor Keeton Hudson that the city’s application had been recommended and approved for funding through the Fiscal Year 2026 Rural Services Block Grant Program. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Grants Management Team will contact city officials once a formal grant agreement has been signed so work on the project can proceed.
State officials are also planning a formal award presentation that may take place during the Rural Development Conference scheduled for May 21.
Banks officials expressed appreciation to the Rural Services Department, Heather Barlow Consulting, Banks city government, and the town’s volunteer firefighters for their efforts in securing the grant.
In addition to the block grant, the Town of Banks also announced it has been awarded a 2025 Wildland Fire Suppression Kit Grant valued at $15,000.
According to information shared by the town, the grant will provide equipment designed to improve firefighting efficiency and safety for Banks’ volunteer firefighters.
The suppression kit will be purchased by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. Once the equipment is ready, the town will be notified to arrange pickup. The expected timeframe for availability is March or April of 2026.
The equipment package may include up to ten sets of fire-resistant coveralls, ten pairs of wildland firefighting gloves, two backpack pumps, two backpack leaf blowers, four leaf rakes, and two McLeod rakes. The final quantity will depend on equipment costs and availability.
Town officials said the additional equipment will help strengthen the capabilities of Banks’ volunteer fire department as the community continues improvements to its new fire station.
