$42M approved for Water Projects across Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Tuesday that over $42 million is going to assist six water and wastewater projects that serve more than 22,000 Arkansans.

The projects receiving funding are below:

Helena West-Helena, Phillips County, will receive an emergency $100,000 loan from the Water Development Fund and an $11,000,000 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for this project is 5,500.

• The City of Mena, Polk County, will receive an $11,583,500 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for this project is 5,558.
• The City of Mountainburg, Crawford County, will receive a $7,037,300 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for this project is 6,184.
• The City of Mulberry, Crawford County, will receive a $7,549,317 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for this project is 1,543.
• Tri-County Regional Water Distribution District, Pope County, will receive a $5,000,000 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for this project is 3,500.

“Every Arkansan deserves access to safe and consistent running water. My administration has prioritized improvements to Arkansas’ water infrastructure and today, I’m proud to announce $42 million in much-needed assistance for communities that face critical issues with their existing water facilities,” said Governor Sanders.

The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission approved the funding on Feb. 28.

“The Department of Agriculture continues to work with communities across the state to address deficiencies in water and wastewater systems. The action regarding Helena-West Helena continues to demonstrate the Governor’s ongoing effort to address a difficult situation and we are proud to partner with her,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward.

Sanders also launched an analysis and review of Arkansas’ State Water Plan and took steps to address Helena West-Helena’s ongoing water system issues.

Steps taken included approving loans, providing potable water, and offering Arkansas National Guard assistance.