Little Rock, Arkansas – Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced more than $3.4 million in financial assistance to support water and wastewater projects across the state, providing funding for local infrastructure improvements, operator training programs and emergency water system needs.
The total investment of $3,477,436 will benefit five entities throughout Arkansas. Officials said three of the projects will directly serve more than 8,780 residents, while additional programs will provide statewide benefits by improving training and technical support for water and wastewater professionals.
Governor Sanders said the funding represents another step in her administration’s efforts to strengthen essential services that communities depend on every day.
“Today’s announcement continues my administration’s record of delivering for Arkansas communities and the water and wastewater facilities they rely on,” said Governor Sanders. “Our state doesn’t work without the water resources our citizens need, and we’re continuing to invest in communities across the state to help them grow, build, and thrive.”
State officials emphasized that reliable water and wastewater systems are important not only for residents but also for economic development, public health and long-term community stability.
“Water and wastewater infrastructure is the foundation of community stability, public health, economic growth, and quality of life in Arkansas,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “Continued investment in these critical systems ensures communities have access to safe, reliable service today while preparing for the needs of future generations.”
The funding package includes support for both local improvement projects and statewide assistance programs designed to help water systems operate more effectively.
The Arkansas Environmental Training Academy was approved for two grants totaling $540,000. The academy will receive $324,000 from the Water Development Fund to provide training for retail water boards and an additional $216,000 from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to support training for wastewater operators. Officials said these programs will have a statewide impact by helping professionals maintain and improve water services.
The Arkansas Rural Water Association received approval for three grants totaling $670,000. The funding includes $270,000 from the Water Development Fund for the Drinking Water Circuit Rider Grant Program, $130,000 from the Water Development Fund for the Technical Assistance Grant Program, and $270,000 from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for the Wastewater Circuit Rider Grant Program.
These programs are designed to provide assistance, guidance and technical support to water systems throughout Arkansas, particularly those that need additional resources to maintain reliable operations.
Local communities will also benefit from the newly approved loans. The City of Decatur in Benton County received approval for an additional $2.125 million loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 8,165 residents, and the money will be used for a wastewater treatment plant headworks expansion project.
The Horseshoe Bend Property Owners Association in Washington County was approved for an additional $42,436 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund. The funds will support water line improvements for a system serving 51 customers.
The City of Ratliff in Logan County received a $100,000 emergency loan from the Water Development Fund. The project serves 570 customers and will provide assistance for urgent water system needs.
Chris Colclasure, Director of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Division, said investments in water infrastructure are essential for the future of the state.
“Water infrastructure is one of Arkansas’ most important long term responsibilities,” said Chris Colclasure, Director of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Division. “By prioritizing upgrades and supporting system reliability, we’re helping ensure that residents, businesses, and industries have access to the safe, stable services they depend on every day.”
Since taking office, Governor Sanders has made water infrastructure improvements a major priority. According to state officials, nearly $2.8 billion in state and federal funding has been approved for water and wastewater projects benefiting communities across all 75 Arkansas counties.
The administration has also focused on long-term planning for the state’s water resources. In 2023, Governor Sanders issued Executive Order 23-27, which launched a comprehensive review and update of the Arkansas Water Plan. The effort examines areas including water supply, water demand, water quality and the future management of Arkansas’ water resources.
The first phase of the updated plan was completed by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in August 2024. The second phase is currently underway and is expected to be completed in summer 2026.
Officials said continued investment in water systems will help Arkansas communities prepare for future challenges while supporting growth, public health and economic opportunities across the state. The latest funding announcement adds to ongoing efforts to modernize infrastructure and ensure residents have access to dependable water services for years to come.
