Little Rock, Arkansas – Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced more than $3.1 million in financial assistance for water and wastewater infrastructure projects that will support communities across the state and serve more than 11,000 residents.
State officials said the funding package totals $3,176,035 and will help four separate entities improve aging systems, repair damaged infrastructure, and expand water services to meet future growth demands. The projects are spread across Pulaski, Hempstead, and Crawford counties.
The announcement comes as Arkansas continues pushing large-scale infrastructure investments tied to population growth, economic development, and public health needs.
“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.”
State agriculture and water officials also stressed that dependable water and wastewater systems are critical for both public safety and long-term economic stability.
“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.”
Funding Targets Sewer Repairs and Water System Upgrades
Among the largest approved projects was additional funding for the City of Van Buren in Crawford County. Officials approved a $2 million loan through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to support water line improvements serving a customer base of 8,768 residents.
In Pulaski County, Gravel Ridge Suburban Improvement District #213 received approval for an additional $976,035 loan through the General Obligation Bond Program. The district currently serves 1,489 customers, and the funds will be used to rehabilitate the sewer collection system.
Another Pulaski County project involving Oak Shadows Suburban Improvement District #249 received a $100,000 emergency loan from the Water Development Fund. Officials said the money will address urgent sewer repair needs for the district’s 51 customers.
Meanwhile, the Southwest Arkansas Water Facilities Board in Hempstead County secured an additional $100,000 loan through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The project serves 866 customers and will focus on water system improvements and expansion efforts.
Chris Colclasure, Director of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Division, said long-term planning and continued investment remain necessary to prevent infrastructure failures and maintain reliable service.
“Strong water systems don’t happen by accident, they require consistent investment, careful planning, and responsible management,” Colclasure said. “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.”
Statewide Water Infrastructure Push Continues
The governor’s office noted that Sanders has made water infrastructure a major focus since taking office. According to state officials, nearly $2.8 billion in state and federal funding has already been approved for water-related projects throughout all 75 Arkansas counties.
Arkansas leaders say the investments are intended not only to improve current systems but also to prepare the state for future residential and business growth.
Officials also pointed to Executive Order 23-27, signed by Sanders in 2023, which launched a broad review and update of the Arkansas Water Plan. The plan guides statewide decisions involving water quality, supply, demand, and long-term resource management.
The first phase of the update process was completed in August 2024 through collaboration between the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. State officials said the second phase is currently underway and is expected to be completed during the summer of 2026.
As Arkansas continues seeing rapid growth in several regions, state leaders say maintaining dependable water and wastewater infrastructure will remain one of the most important parts of supporting future development and protecting communities statewide.
