Arkansas – Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced more than $3.4 million in financial assistance for water and wastewater infrastructure projects benefiting communities across Arkansas.
The governor said the funding will support critical improvements to water systems, wastewater facilities, and operator training programs as part of her administration’s efforts to strengthen infrastructure throughout the state.
“Today’s announcement continues my administration’s record of delivering for Arkansas communities and the water and wastewater facilities they rely on,” Sanders said. “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.”
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture said a total of $3,477,436 was approved for projects involving five entities. Three of the projects will directly serve more than 8,780 Arkansas residents, while additional programs will provide statewide benefits.
Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward said reliable water and wastewater systems are essential to communities across the state.
“Water and wastewater infrastructure is the foundation of community stability, public health, economic growth, and quality of life in Arkansas,” Ward said. “Continued investment in these critical systems ensures communities have access to safe, reliable service today while preparing for the needs of future generations.”
Funding approved includes support for statewide training programs through the Arkansas Environmental Training Academy and the Arkansas Rural Water Association.
The Arkansas Environmental Training Academy received two grants, including $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 train wastewater operators.
The Arkansas Rural Water Association received three grants totaling $670,000. The funding will support drinking water and wastewater assistance programs, including the Drinking Water Circuit Rider Grant Program, Technical Assistance Grant Program, and Wastewater Circuit Rider Grant Program.
Several local communities also received funding for infrastructure improvements.
The City of Decatur in Benton County was approved for an additional $2.125 million loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for a wastewater treatment plant headworks expansion project. The project serves about 8,165 customers.
The Horseshoe Bend Property Owners Association in Washington County received an additional $42,436 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund for water line improvements. The project serves 51 customers.
The City of Ratliff in Logan County was approved for a $100,000 emergency loan from the Water Development Fund. The funding will support improvements for a system serving approximately 570 residents.
Chris Colclasure, director of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Division, said continued investment in water infrastructure helps ensure residents, businesses, and industries have access to dependable services.
“Water infrastructure is one of Arkansas’ most important long-term responsibilities,” Colclasure said. “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.”
Since taking office, Sanders’ administration said nearly $2.8 billion in state and federal funding has been approved for water and wastewater projects benefiting all 75 counties in Arkansas.
The governor also issued Executive Order 23-27 in 2023, launching a comprehensive review and update of the Arkansas Water Plan. The update focuses on water resources, supply, demand, and quality across the state. The first phase was completed in 2024 by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, while the second phase is expected to be completed in summer 2026.