The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC) approved $270 million at the beginning of December in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for a total of 157 water projects across 58 counties, read an ANRC press release.
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson said, “In January, I laid out my “W.I.N.S. in 2022” initiative. One of those initiatives was infrastructure. We know that there is a large water and wastewater infrastructure need throughout the state and I am delighted to see the announcement today regarding funding distributions through the American Rescue Plan Act to help address this statewide need.”
An extensive assessment of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater needs across the state was made throughout 2022 and based on over 1,400 responses, an overall water infrastructure need of $5.2 billion was identified.
Projects awarded funding will have to start construction by December 31, 2023. All construction is to be completed by December 31, 2026.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Division will administer the awarded funding. The deadline for construction completion is December 2026.
