Miles SmithThree new pieces of legislation in Arkansas were recently signed into law, which the state said represent a $575 million investment into its water infrastructure.
The new legislation includes Act 736, allowing more private entities to convert to public water authorities, which enables them to apply for additional state funding.
Act 812 establishes the Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program, which provides $25 million from interest earnings per year over the next three years to water and sewer facilities, with 20% set aside for rural systems that serve 1,200 people or fewer.
The other 80% of funding will be awarded to shovel-ready projects in cities or rural systems with a population greater than 1,200 people. Act 578 creates a ballot measure that, if approved, would provide $500 million in water and wastewater project funding through 2043. The ballot measure will either be voted on during the 2026 general election or in a special election.
The $500 million would be paid for through loan repayments, according to Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
The current bond authority for Arkansas is set to expire in the summer of 2027.
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