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Biden-Harris Administration Invests Over $8 Million in Rural Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements in Arkansas

Name
Karen Petrus
Phone
City
LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS
Release Date

Rural Development Acting State Director, Karen Petrus today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing over $8 million to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in Arkansas.

The investments being announced today follow President Biden’s announcement last week of a Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework that will make the largest investment in clean drinking water in American history. The Framework will replace all of the nation’s lead pipes and service lines, helping address barriers faced by communities of color, Tribal communities, and rural America.

“Every community needs safe and reliable water and wastewater systems,” said Petrus. “USDA is investing in water infrastructure in rural and Tribal communities that need it most to help them build back better and stronger.”

USDA is financing the projects through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program to help eliminate outdated pipes and service lines to safeguard public health and safety in rural communities. They will help improve rural infrastructure for 250,000 residents and businesses.

For example, as part of today’s announcement:
• The City of Mena is receiving a $6,610,000 loan and a $1,552,500 grant to make improvements to the city's water treatment plant.  These improvements will consist of replacing the existing clearwell and high service pump station as well as upgrades to the controls and electrical systems at the raw water pump station, replacement of the two existing solids contact clarifier mechanisms as well as other water treatment plant improvements.  These water treatment plant improvements will provide area residents with a more reliable public water supply.  
• The City of McCrory is receiving a $184,000 grant to make improvements to the city’s water treatment plant.  These improvements will include construction of a clarifier outside the existing facility.  The clarifier will help to remove iron from the raw water before it reaches the gravity and filters.  The project will also consist of an automatic ventilation system which will measure chlorine gas levels in the filter room and will control the air supply based on those levels.  These improvements will benefit 1,729 residents.

Background:
The Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage. The program serves households and businesses in eligible rural areas with populations of 10,000 or less.

To learn more about these and other resources for rural areas, contact a USDA Rural Development state office.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.