Natural Resources Commission approves $54.4 million in loans for statewide water projects

by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) 1,177 views 

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Commission has approved $54.432 million in loans for 11 water and wastewater projects. About 49,000 state residents will be impacted by these projects.

The city of Danville in Yell County, received a $360,500 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund to install ultraviolet disinfection equipment to meet Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality requirements. The city of Menifee in Conway County, received a $294,863 loan from the Water Development Fund for waterline replacement.

The city of Monticello in Drew County, received a $2.136 million loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund to replace and relocate the existing water mains. The city of Piggott in Clay County, received a $456,994 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund for wastewater treatment facility improvements.

Prairie Grove in Washington County, received a $2 million loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund to expand the wastewater treatment facility. The Rogers Water Utilities in Benton County, received a $31.246 million loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to construct a sludge drying facility capable of producing a Class A biosolids product.

The Southwest White County Public Water Authority received a $14.441 million loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund to make water system improvements to nine key areas.

Emergency funding was provided to the following entities:

Eudora in Chicot County, received a $100,000 loan from the Water Development Fund to make emergency repairs to the well pumping station, replace the filter valve actuators, air dryer, and filter valve actuator solenoids. The city of Sidney in Sharp County, received a $100,000 loan from the Water Development Fund to make emergency repairs to the water system and pump station.

The following projects received additional funding:

The Northwest Arkansas Conservation Authority in Benton County, received $2,5 million in additional funding to their previously approved $82.5 million loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for wastewater treatment plant improvements due to higher bids than anticipated.

The Greenland Wastewater System in Washington County, received $735,700 in additional funding to their previously approved $2.92 million loan and $1.617 million loan with principal forgiveness from the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund to replace and expand a lift station and replace a force main.