Municipalities and water companies in South Arkansas are set to receive a portion of the $204 million in financial assistance for water and wastewater projects designated by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024.
“Reliable water and wastewater infrastructure is essential for the sustainability of communities and industries throughout our state as well as the quality of life for every Arkansan,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward.
Of the new funding, $145,025,170.62 will be provided through loans, while $59,167,217.38 will be offered as grants and loans with principal forgiveness.
Gurdon (Clark County) is receiving a $4,350,382 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 1,840. These funds will be used to inspect the wastewater collection system, replace all the pumps, and replace one lift station.
Other South Arkansas recipients include the Walker Water Association (Columbia County), which will get a $247,257 loan from the General Obligation Bond Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 1,173. These funds will be used for water meter replacements.
Hampton (Calhoun County) is receiving a $2,291,184 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 1,181. These funds will be used to inspect and clean the existing collection system, repair major points of infiltration & inflow, and replace worn out pumps due to sand/grit entering the facilities.
Hope (Hempstead County) is receiving a $3,685,000 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 8,952. These funds will be used to repair or replace wastewater collection lines to reduce infiltration and inflow.
Junction City (Union County) is receiving a $300,000 loan and a $1,200,000 loan with principal forgiveness from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 503. These funds will be to inspect and clean the wastewater collection system.
Little River County RDA (Little River County) is receiving a $4,821,382 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 7,347. These funds will be used to regionalize with the Town of Winthrop, replace mains, and improve the water storage tanks.
Southeast Bradley County Water Association (Bradley County) is receiving a $418,926 loan and $1,256,778 loan with principal forgiveness from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 1,563. These funds will be used for improvements to the water treatment plant, rehabilitation of water tanks, and replacing creek crossings.
Also in Bradley County, Warren is receiving a total of four loans; a $824,558 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for sewer improvements, a $900,000 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for sludge removal, a $720,000 loan for the North tank raising from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, and a $363,697 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund. The projects serve a current customer base of 5,211.