Arkansas secures $53.1 million for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater upgrades
(UI) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $53.1 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for Arkansas to implement drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades.
The funding is part of the over $50 billion investment in water infrastructure upgrades from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – the largest such investment in American history. Today’s announcement will support essential water infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies across the state. Almost half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans, ensuring funds reach underserved communities most in need of investments in water infrastructure.
“Through President’s Biden Investing in America agenda, EPA can fund long-overdue water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades in our nation and prioritize this work in underfunded areas that need it the most,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “Since 2022, EPA has given over $100 million to Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico for water infrastructure needs. This new round of funding will help ensure every community can bring reliable water and wastewater services to every resident.”
Communities across the country are facing water infrastructure challenges. Many cities and towns have aging water infrastructure – old, broken or lead pipes carrying drinking water and wastewater treatment plants in need of major upgrades. Some communities struggle to maintain adequate stormwater infrastructure to effectively manage flood impacts from climate change and others need to upgrade their water treatment to address emerging contaminants like PFAS.
The funding EPA announced for Arkansas is part of a $5.8 billion investment through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF), one of EPA’s signature water investment programs. This multi-billion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs to address key challenges, with $2.6 billion going to the Clean Water SRF for wastewater and stormwater infrastructure and $3.2 billion going to the Drinking Water SRF for drinking water infrastructure nationwide.
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