According to an ANRC press release, the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC) awarded $270 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) financing at the beginning of December for a total of 157 water projects spread across 58 counties.
Asia Hutchinson, the governor of Arkansas, stated, “In January, I outlined my “W.I.N.S. in 2022” initiative. Infrastructure was one of such projects.
We are aware of the significant need for water and wastewater infrastructure throughout the state, so I was pleased to see the statement made today about funding distributions made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act.
In 2022, a thorough evaluation of the state’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater needs was conducted. Based on more than 1,400 replies, a $5.2 billion overall water infrastructure demand was identified.
Construction must begin on funded projects by December 31, 2023. The entire project must be finished by December 31, 2026.
The Natural Resources Division of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture will manage the allocated funds. The construction must be finished by December 2026.
Source: Arkansas Rural Water Association
