Arkansas spends $66.5 million to modernize its water infrastructure throughout the state

Little Rock, Arkansas – The office of Governor Sanders declared on Wednesday that it is providing $66.5 million in funding for eight distinct water and wastewater projects around the Natural State.

According to officials, 60,594 Arkansans are expected to benefit from the enhancements.

On January 15, 2025, the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission authorized the funds.

Governor Sanders stated, “Today’s announcement demonstrates my administration’s dedication to ensuring that every community in Arkansas has access to safe drinking water.” “We are grateful to the local officials and agency employees who are collaborating closely to create sustainable water infrastructure solutions throughout our state.”

“The strength of our communities and the quality of life for every Arkansan depend on reliable water and wastewater infrastructure,” stated Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “Arizona is well-positioned for future success thanks to Governor Sanders’ ongoing leadership on water issues.”

The administration of Governor Sanders has allotted almost $2.8 billion in federal and state funds for water development projects in each of Arkansas’s 75 counties.

The following is a list of funding recipients:

• Bentonville in Benton County is receiving a $55,000,000 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 54,164. These funds will be used for water resource recovery facility improvements.

• Eureka Springs in Carroll County is receiving two loans: a $6,180,000 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund and a $100,000 emergency loan from the Water Development Fund. The projects serve a current customer base of 1,945. These funds will be used for wastewater treatment plant improvements.

• Gravel Ridge Sewer Improvement District 213 in Pulaski County is receiving a $2,512,632 loan from the General Obligation Bond Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 1,489. These funds will be used for a sewer collection rehabilitation.

• Horsebend Property Owners Association in Washington County is receiving a $154,500 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 51. These funds will be used for a wastewater treatment plant rehabilitation.

• Mount Ida in Montogomery County is receiving a $586,226 loan from the General Obligation Bond Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 600. These funds will be used for a sewer plant rehabilitation.

• North Crossett Utilities in Ashley County is receiving two loans: a $848,916 loan from the General Obligation Bond Fund and a $396,288 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund. The projects serve a current customer base of 1,251. These funds will be used for meter upgrades and a sewer lift station.

• Ola in Yell County is receiving a $343,477 loan from the Water Development Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 571. These funds will be used for a water main replacement and pump station upgrade.

• Yellville in Marion County is receiving a $384,190 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 523. These funds will be used for wastewater collection and treatment improvements.