Arkansas approves $154 million for statewide water, wastewater upgrades
(UI) - Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced more than $153.9 million in new financial assistance for water and wastewater projects across 52 communities, expanding ongoing efforts to modernize aging systems statewide. The funding—approved by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission—will support infrastructure upgrades serving more than 814,000 residents.
The latest round of assistance includes low-interest loans, principal-forgiveness packages, and targeted grants through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, Small, Underserved, and Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program, and several state programs. Projects range from sewer plant rehabilitations and treatment facility upgrades to water meter replacements, pipeline improvements, pump station upgrades, and remediation initiatives.
State officials emphasized that reliable water and wastewater systems are critical for public health, economic development, and long-term resilience. Since taking office, Sanders has directed more than $2.7 billion in combined state and federal funding toward water infrastructure improvements in all 75 counties.
Several communities will also use the new funds to address longstanding compliance issues, expand treatment capacity, or replace aging components once considered at high risk for failure. The projects reflect priorities identified in the ongoing update to the Arkansas Water Plan, now entering its second phase and scheduled for completion in 2026.
A full list of approved projects is available through the Arkansas Department of Agriculture.
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