Governor Sanders Announces More Than $3.4 Million in Water Funding

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced $3,477,436 in financial assistance for water and wastewater projects for five entities across the state. Three of the projects will serve more than 8,780 Arkansans, while the remaining five will benefit residents statewide.

"Today's announcement continues my administration's record of delivering for Arkansas communities and the water and wastewater facilities they rely on," said Governor Sanders. "Our state doesn't work without the water resources our citizens need, and we're continuing to invest in communities across the state to help them grow, build, and thrive."

"Water and wastewater infrastructure is the foundation of community stability, public health, economic growth, and quality of life in Arkansas," said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. "Continued investment in these critical systems ensures communities have access to safe, reliable service today while preparing for the needs of future generations."

"Water infrastructure is one of Arkansas' most important long-term responsibilities," said Chris Colclasure, Director of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Division. "By prioritizing upgrades and supporting system reliability, we're helping ensure that residents, businesses, and industries have access to the safe, stable services they depend on every day."

Funding approved today includes:

• Arkansas Environmental Training Academy was approved for two grants - $324,000 from the Water Development Fund to provide training for retail water boards and $216,000 from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to provide training for wastewater operators. These training opportunities will have a statewide impact.
• Arkansas Rural Water Association was approved for three grants - $270,000 from the Water Development Fund for the Drinking Water Circuit Rider Grant Program, $130,000 from the Water Development Fund for the Technical Assistance Grant Program, and $270,000 from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for the Wastewater Circuit Rider Grant Program. These projects will have a statewide impact.
• City of Decatur, Benton County, was approved for an additional $2,125,000 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. This project serves a current customer base of 8,165. These funds will be used for the wastewater treatment plant headworks expansion project.
• Horseshoe Bend Property Owners Association, Washington County, was approved for an additional $42,436 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund. This project serves a current customer base of 51. These funds will be used for water line improvements.
• City of Ratliff, Logan County, was approved for a $100,000 emergency loan from the Water Development Fund. This project serves a current customer base of 570.

Since taking office, Governor Sanders has made strengthening Arkansas' water infrastructure a top priority, with nearly $2.8 billion in state and federal funding approved for water and wastewater projects benefitting all 75 counties.

In 2023, Governor Sanders issued Executive Order 23-27, initiating a comprehensive review of and update to the Arkansas Water Plan, guiding the state's management of water resources, water supply, water demand, water quality, and more. The first phase was completed by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in August 2024. The second phase of the update is underway and will be completed in summer 2026.

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