The US Department of Transportation and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is providing $1.47b for more eco-friendly US bus fleets and facilities, but Northwest Arkansas’s Ozark Regional Transit Authority (ORT) won’t apply for the funds. 

• Matching costs: To apply for the federal funds, transit services must have 10%-20% of the project cost. Because ORT has been providing free transit, among other reasons, it is running a tight ship, and therefore does not have the matching funds at this time.
• Plan for improvement: The $1.47b is a competitive grant opportunity that is part of the FTA’s Low or No Emission Grant Program. It will help transit agencies acquire low or no emission vehicles, equipment, and facilities with advanced technologies.

Read the full story HERE. 

Habitat for Humanity of Washington County and Partners for Better Housing have a mission to add affordable housing to the region and are doing it 1 house at a time.

• Foundations: A groundbreaking for the first of 3 new homes this year in a new mixed-income neighborhood in Fayetteville is scheduled for March 30. The neighborhood is called Willow Bend and the first new home will be at 233 E. 10th St. in Fayetteville. 
• Ownership: Willow Bend has a pay it forward program for families or individuals whose household income is less than 80% of Northwest Arkansas’s median family income so homeownership is made more possible.

Learn more HERE.

Spring Break is here, and Peel Compton Foundation (PCF) is prepared with hands-on camps and experiences around Bentonville for everyone!

• Much to do: PCF is hosting 4 different opportunities for all ages today through Friday. There will be Coler Kids Spring Break Camp, Peel Museum Spring Break Camp, The Quiver Spring Break Camp, and Osage Park Free Wetland Tours to participate in throughout the week.
• Never bored: With each event, there is opportunity for education and fun! Learn about wetlands, Arkansas's history, gardens, bikes, crafts, shoot bows and arrows, play games, and more.

For more information, click HERE. 

A wood composite decking company in Springdale is doubling its manufacturing capacity, adding a new line, and expanding another. 

• Product: MoistureShield makes that springtime deck you've always dreamed of that is engineered to withstand the most intense elements 365 days a year. The fibers in the wood are individually encapsulated in plastic so it can be on the ground or underwater.
• Supplies for demand: As we all spend more time at home there has been an increased demand for outdoor living products as of late with high-end aesthetics and performance, and that is what MoistureShield will continue to deliver. The expansion will be completed by local trade professionals. 

Read the full Talk Business & Politics story HERE. 

There are organizations and groups forming all the time to create comfort and representation in community. The Minority Mountain Bikers is one of those groups. 

• Purpose: The minority-focused organization was created last year and is dedicated to “increasing and highlighting diversity in mountain biking." The group showcases riders of all genders and ethnicities. 
• Upcoming event: The group is hosting the second annual Minority Mountain Bike Week (MMBW) in Bentonville March 30-April 3. Riders from all over the country will participate in 4 days of rides, guides, shuttles, and lessons (riding and bike maintenance). 

For more info and tickets for MMBW, click HERE.