Governor Sanders Announces $8.2 Million in Water Funding
“Reliable water infrastructure is essential to Arkansas’ growth, from our farms and businesses to families and communities across the state,” said Governor Sanders. “These projects will strengthen critical water systems, support economic growth, and ensure Arkansas families have clean drinking water. We’re investing in the resources our communities need to keep the Natural State the best place in America to live, work, raise a family, and do business.”
“Arkansas is facing more than $20 billion in water‑infrastructure needs over the next two decades due to aging systems and lack of capacity,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “Today’s funding helps communities strengthen the essential systems that protect public health, support economic growth, and provide the reliable water service Arkansans depend on every day.”
“Maintaining and improving water infrastructure is critical to Arkansas’ long‑term success,” said Chris Colclasure, Director of the Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Division. “These investments give communities the support they need to reinforce drinking water, wastewater, and irrigation systems, ensuring dependable service for residents, businesses, and agriculture across the state.”
Funding approved includes:
- City of Black Rock, Lawrence County, was approved for a $100,000 emergency loan from the Water Development Fund. This project serves a current customer base of 590. These funds will be used for sewer lift station improvements.
- City of Stamps, Lafayette County, was approved for a $100,000 emergency loan from the Water Development Fund. This project serves a current customer base of 1,258. These funds will be used for wastewater treatment plant repair.
- The White River Regional Irrigation District, Prairie County, was approved for a $8,000,000 loan from the General Obligation Bond Program. These additional funds will be used to continue construction on the Grand Prairie Demonstration Project, which once constructed will provide surface water irrigation to over 362,000 acres within critical groundwater areas.
Since taking office, Governor Sanders has made strengthening Arkansas’ water infrastructure a top priority, with $2.8 billion in state and federal funding approved for water and wastewater projects benefiting 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 2026.
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