LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced $3,176,035 in financial assistance for water and wastewater projects for four entities across the state, serving more than 11,000 Arkansans.
“Arkansas is growing fast because people and businesses believe in what we’re building here,” said Governor Sanders. “That growth depends on strong infrastructure — from families counting on clean water to businesses needing reliable systems when they invest in our state. These projects will help communities ready for growth, compete for new economic opportunity, and keep Arkansas moving forward.”
“Investing in reliable water and wastewater systems is essential to protecting public health and supporting economic development in Arkansas,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “Governor Sanders’ continued commitment to strengthening water infrastructure ensures that communities of every size have the resources they need to maintain critical services, plan for future growth, and meet the long‑term needs of the Arkansans they serve.”
“Strong water systems don’t happen by accident, they require consistent investment, careful planning, and responsible management,” said Chris Colclasure, Director of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Division. “These projects reflect our ongoing work to help communities modernize aging infrastructure, address urgent system needs, and build resilient networks that will provide safe, dependable service for decades to come.”
Funding approved today includes:
Gravel Ridge Suburban Improvement District #213, Pulaski County, was approved for an additional $976,035 loan from the General Obligation Bond Program. This project serves a current customer base of 1,489. These funds will be used for sewer collection system rehabilitation.
Oak Shadows Suburban Improvement District #249, Pulaski County, was approved for a $100,000 emergency loan from the Water Development Fund. This project serves a current customer base of 51. These funds will support urgent sewer system repair.
Southwest Arkansas Water Facilities Board of Hempstead County, was approved for an additional $100,000 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. This project serves a current customer base of 866. These funds will be used for water system improvements and system extension.
City of Van Buren, Crawford County, was approved for an additional $2,000,000 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. This project serves a current customer base of 8,768. These funds will support water line improvements.
Since taking office, Governor Sanders has prioritized strengthening Arkansas’ water infrastructure in every corner of the state, with nearly $2.8 billion in state and federal funds approved for water projects across all 75 counties.
In 2023, Governor Sanders issued Executive Order 23-27, initiating a comprehensive review of and update to the Arkansas Water Plan, guiding the state’s management of water resources, water supply, water demand, water quality, and more. The first phase was completed by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in August 2024. The second phase of the update is underway and will be completed in summer 2026.
