LITTLE ROCK, AR - On Friday, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced more than $79 million in financial assistance for 25 water and wastewater projects serving more than 587,000 Arkansans. The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission approved this funding on May 15, 2024.

“Arkansans are counting on their local water utilities to deliver consistent and safe drinking water. In my administration, we’re proud to help communities provide that critical service,” said Governor Sanders. “The $79 million in assistance we’re announcing will help us improve water infrastructure for more than half a million Arkansans, keeping faucets, showers, and plumbing running all across our state.” 

“From the Governor’s Executive Order requiring an update to the State Water Plan to yesterday’s decisions providing financial assistance of over $79 million for water projects throughout the state, we appreciate Governor Sanders’ leadership on water issues and the Arkansas Department of Agriculture will continue to prioritize this natural resource that is critical to all Arkansans,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward.

“During Wednesday’s commission meeting, nine projects were awarded $1.9 million in grant funding from a new funding opportunity for sewer overflow and stormwater use from the Environmental Protection Agency and administered by the Department.  We continue to assist communities across the state through our existing programs and new funding opportunities to meet water and wastewater needs,” said Chris Colclasure, Director of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Division.

The projects receiving funding are below:

- Arkansas City, Desha County, received a $400,000 grant from the Sewer Overflow and Storm Water Reuse Municipal Grant Program. The current customer base for this project is 205. 

- Benton County received a $137,873 grant from the Sewer Overflow and Storm Water Reuse Municipal Grant Program. The current customer base for this project is 284,336.

- Calico Rock, Izard County, received a $50,000 grant from the Sewer Overflow and Storm Water Reuse Municipal Grant Program. The current customer base for this project is 507.

- Gentry, Benton County, received a $50,000 grant from the Sewer Overflow and Storm Water Reuse Municipal Grant Program. The current customer base for this project is 1,750.

- Highland, Sharp County, received a $69,500 grant from the Sewer Overflow and Storm Water Reuse Municipal Grant Program. The current customer base for this project is 615.

- Benton County, on behalf of the Illinois River Watershed Partnership, received a $400,000 grant from the Sewer Overflow and Storm Water Reuse Municipal Grant Program.

- Malvern Water Works, Hot Spring County, received a $400,000 grant from the Sewer Overflow and Storm Water Reuse Municipal Grant Program. The current customer base for this project is 10,867.

- Mount Ida, Montgomery County, received a $40,000 grant from the Sewer Overflow and Storm Water Reuse Municipal Grant Program. The current customer base for this project is 1,600.

- Watershed Conservation Resource Center, Washington County, received a $400,000 grant from the Sewer Overflow and Storm Water Reuse Municipal Grant Program contingent on finding an eligible sponsor entity. The current customer base for this project is 120,000.

- Calhoun County Water Association received a $2,301,647 loan from the Water Development Fund. The current customer base for this project is 733.

- Community Water System Public Water Authority, Cleburne County, received a $1,325,000 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for this project is 76,000.

- DeValls Bluff, Prairie County, received a $142,140 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund. The current customer base for this project is 305.

- Emerson, Columbia County, received a $1,175,388 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for this project is 451.

- Hardy Water Works, Sharp and Fulton counties, received an emergency $100,000 loan from the Water Development Fund. The current customer base for this project is 450.

- Haynes Water Works, Lee County, received an emergency $40,000 loan from the Water Development Fund. The current customer base for this project is 122.

- Hot Springs, Garland County, received a $1,912,500 loan and a $1,837,500 loan with principal forgiveness from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for these projects is 38,114.

- Magnolia, Columbia County, received a $613,240 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for this project is 11,000.

- Phillips County Sewer Facilities Board received an emergency $100,000 loan from the Water Development Fund. The current customer base for this project is 735.

- Poyen, Grant County, received two loans in the amounts of $1,140,000 and $787,415 from the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund and a $684,442 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for these projects is 361.

- Springdale, Benton and Washington counties, received a $50,000,000 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for this project is 38,250.

- Tull, Grant County, received a $316,422 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund. The current customer base for this project is 950.

- White River Regional Irrigation Water Distribution District, Prairie County, received a $15,000,000 loan from the Arkansas Water, Waste Disposal, and Abatement Facilities General Obligation Bond Fund. 

In addition to today’s announcement, Governor Sanders has launched a comprehensive analysis and review of Arkansas’ State Water Plan. She also took action to address Helena West-Helena’s water system issues, including approving loans, providing potable water, and offering Arkansas National Guard assistance.