Governor Sanders Announces $478,760 in Arkansas Water Financing

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced $478,670 in financial assistance for water and wastewater projects for four entities across Arkansas. Three of the projects will serve more than 8,900 Arkansans, while the fourth will have a statewide impact.

"Arkansas is growing at a record pace, and our infrastructure must grow with it," said Governor Sanders. "That's why my administration is investing in water projects across the state, building on the more than $2.7 billion we've already committed to strengthen water and wastewater systems, support continued economic growth, and ensure every Arkansan has access to safe, reliable water service."

"Access to dependable water and wastewater systems is foundational to public health and economic growth in Arkansas," said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. "Through Governor Sanders' continued focus on strengthening water infrastructure, our communities are better positioned to sustain critical services, support growth, and meet the long-term needs of the people they serve."

"Long-term water reliability starts with strategic investment and responsible stewardship," said Chris Colclasure, Director of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Division. "By prioritizing improvements to aging infrastructure and supporting proactive planning, we are helping communities build resilient systems that will provide safe, consistent service for generations to come."

Funding approved today includes:

• Arkansas Rural Water Association received a $120,000 grant from the Water Development Fund. These funds will be used for the Water Operator Certification and Renewal Training Program, serving customers statewide.
• Bryant, Saline County, received a $286,640 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. This project serves a current customer base of 8,496. These funds will be used for the Lea Circle Parallel Gravity Sewer Project.
• Felsenthal, Union County, received a $51,224 loan from the Water Development Fund. This project serves a current customer base of 56. These funds will be used for sewer collection repairs.
• Nail-Swain Water Association, Newton County, received a $20,806 loan from the Water Development Fund. This project serves a current customer base of 379. These funds will be used for water tank rehabilitation.

In addition to approving project funding, the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission adopted a resolution authorizing the issuance of up to $48.5 million in general obligation bonds. These bonds will support water, waste disposal, and pollution-abatement projects outlined in the Commission's approved Fiscal Years 2026-2027 Plan of Work under Act 631 of 2007. The action follows a February 25 proclamation from Governor Sanders granting authority for the issuance of these general obligation bonds.

Recognizing that the current bond authority is expected to be fully depleted by the summer of 2027, the Arkansas Legislature passed Act 578 of 2025, which will place the question of authorizing an additional $500 million in general obligation bond authority on the November 2026 general election ballot.

Since taking office, Governor Sanders has prioritized strengthening Arkansas' water infrastructure in every corner of the state, with nearly $2.8 billion in state and federal funds approved for water projects across 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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