Arkansas governor announces $3.17M in funding for 18 water quality projects

From the Arkansas Department of Agriculture

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has been awarded $3,175,000 through the 2026 Clean Water Act Section 319(h) Grant Program from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These funds will support statewide projects that reduce nonpoint source pollution in the state’s waterbodies through the Department’s Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Program.

“Every Arkansas family should have access to safe, reliable water in their communities,” said Governor Sanders. “That’s why I am incredibly grateful to President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for this funding. Together, we can ensure that Arkansas’ infrastructure is able to meet the increasing demand in our state while not sacrificing quality.”

“Clean water is critical to the quality of life that we enjoy in Arkansas and is one of the most important investments that we can make in our state’s future,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “These investments strengthen partnerships and help ensure that our rivers, lakes, and streams remain healthy for every Arkansan now and into the future.”

“Protecting Arkansas’ water takes strong partnerships, and these projects reflect the commitment of communities, conservation groups, and state and federal agencies working together and sharing resources,” said Chris Colclasure, Director of the Department’s Natural Resources Division. “This collective effort is what turns plans into actions to improve water quality for the benefit of every Arkansan.”

Since 2023, the Department’s Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Program has received $13,198,274 through the EPA’s Clean Water Act Section 319(h) Grant Program. When combined with partner matching contributions, $23,692,205 has been invested in 48 projects across the state to improve water quality. Learn more about the program on the Department’s website.

For this funding cycle, a total of $5,547,513 in project activity was identified, including $3,175,000 in federal funds and $2,372,513 in matching funds. This year’s award will support 18 projects.

The following entities will receive sub-awards to implement projects that reduce sediment and nutrient loads, improve watershed resilience, expand water quality monitoring, and increase public education and outreach:

• Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will receive $225,000 to replace a failed low-water crossing in Gulf Mountain Wildlife Management Area to improve access and aquatic habitat.
• Audubon Arkansas will receive $146,772 to develop a nine-element watershed management plan using data analysis, modeling, and community engagement.
• Beaver Watershed Alliance will receive $350,622 to reduce sediment and nutrient loads in the Beaver Lake and Illinois River watersheds.
• City of North Little Rock will receive $54,000 to conduct education campaigns on nonpoint source pollution for municipal staff, officials, and the construction community.
• Clay County Conservation District will receive $137,890 to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff in priority Cache River tributaries.
• Conway Corporation will receive $120,000 to implement recommendations from the draft Brewer Lake Watershed Management Plan, including riparian restoration and water quality monitoring.
• Friends of Fourche Creek will receive $44,700 to increase watershed outreach and community engagement within the Fourche Creek watershed.
• Fulton County Conservation District will receive $348,664 to support landowners in applying best management practices (BMPs), establishing vegetative cover, and protecting riparian areas.
• Garland County Conservation District will receive $120,900 to reduce nonpoint source pollution in the Saline and Ouachita rivers through BMPs and outreach.
• H2Ozarks will receive $135,792 to advance low-impact development, public outreach, and workshops in the Kings River watershed.
• Illinois River Watershed Partnership will receive $222,593 to expand water quality monitoring and educational activities for students, educators, and citizen scientists.
• Izard County Conservation District will receive $148,800 to reduce erosion and sedimentation in the Middle White River watershed through landowner BMP adoption.
• Saline Watershed Alliance will receive $196,550 to stabilize streambanks, reduce erosion, improve aquatic habitat, and enhance water quality.
• St. Francis County Conservation District will receive $56,224 to support BMP implementation, workshops, field days, and landowner trainings.
• The Nature Conservancy will receive $321,049 to implement conservation-based drainage practices in the Cache River Watershed using GIS analysis, field surveys, and targeted BMPs.
• Van Buren County Conservation District will receive $24,000 to support voluntary BMP adoption, including no‑till and reduced‑till practices, through equipment purchase.
• Washington County Conservation District will receive $222,944 to install best management practices (BMPs) that address stormwater, nutrient runoff, and stream access issues.
• Watershed Conservation Resource Center will receive $298,500 to implement nature-based solutions and long-term restoration measures to reduce sediment and nutrient loads.

Projects were selected based on federal program requirements, priorities in the 2024–2029 Nonpoint Source Management Plan, and projected measurable improvements to water quality. Priority areas include pollutant load reductions, voluntary practices in targeted watersheds, restoring beneficial uses, expanding education and outreach, and building partner capacity.