Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, announced more than $735,000 in funding for twelve county infrastructure projects as part of the Arkansas Unpaved Roads Program (AURP). The initiative aims to improve water quality, stormwater management, and drainage along unpaved county roads across the state.
“Today’s announcement guarantees hardworking Arkansans in rural communities throughout the Natural State will have access to safe and reliable roads,” said Governor Sanders. “Thank you to the Arkansas Unpaved Roads Technical Committee and Secretary Ward for spearheading this important effort to improve our state’s critical infrastructure.”
The AURP, established in 2015, is designed to reduce sediment runoff into water sources while enhancing rural transportation networks. The program supports counties in implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) to stabilize unpaved roads and prevent erosion.
“Arkansas is a rural state and county roads are critical to our way of life,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “This partnership between state and county government demonstrates how collaboration can drive long-term improvements in infrastructure and water quality.”
County Judges’ Association of Arkansas President Judge Rusty McMillon echoed the program’s significance: “This program provides much-needed funding for improving gravel roads that are often left impassable due to erosion. The use of BMPs allows us to make those roads safer and more dependable.”
Twelve counties will benefit from the latest round of funding:
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Benton County – $75,000 to elevate one mile of roadway, install cable mats, and enlarge culverts
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Calhoun County – $75,000 to raise a bridge and install culverts to improve drainage
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Dallas County – $54,198 to elevate 1,056 feet of road and add culverts for enhanced water flow
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Fulton County – $37,352 to stabilize roadbeds and improve drainage over two miles
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Hot Spring County – $60,000 to replace a culvert with arch culverts to increase water capacity
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Independence County – $56,109 to reshape ditches and install seven cross pipes along 2,700 feet of road
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Lawrence County – $45,680 to relocate 1,830 feet of road away from a riverbank and establish a riparian buffer
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Lincoln County – $74,894 to raise and widen 1,800 feet of road and replace culverts with triple box units
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Scott County – $57,446 to enhance a free-span bridge and add culverts and support walls
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Sebastian County – $49,459 to replace deteriorating culverts and improve flow with headwalls
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Sevier County – $75,000 to elevate 500 feet of road and improve drainage
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Woodruff County – $74,867 to raise one mile of road and install 14 culverts to manage stormwater
The AURP is funded through $300,000 in annual state appropriations and bolstered by federal grants. The Arkansas Unpaved Roads Technical Committee, which includes federal, state, and local representatives, is responsible for evaluating and recommending all projects.
For more information on the program, visit agriculture.arkansas.gov.