(AP) _ Rural communities in northeast Arkansas are struggling to keep pace with the recent influx of business and population.Arkansas Business reports that at the center of the shortage is Walnut Ridge, whose population grew to 5,340 after annexing College City in January. The shortage has prompted some area employers to provide shuttles to larger cities nearby as a temporary solution.
Mayor Charles Snapp says the city’s population has increased by more than 10 percent since 2015. Its unemployment rate is below the state and national average at 3.2 percent.
More than 30 residential permits have been issued so far in 2017, up from six permits in 2010.
Snapp remains optimistic about the housing increase, but says it’s still not keeping up with workforce demands.
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