Statewide meetings slated to update Arkansas water plan

In compliance with an executive order from Gov. Sarah Sanders, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is updating the Arkansas Water Plan. The department will hold public meetings to engage stakeholders in identifying current water issues, needs, and best practicable solutions.

The update of the Arkansas Water Plan and the development of a statewide flood plan is being conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The purpose of the Arkansas Water Plan is to conserve and protect the state’s water resources.

The meetings are scheduled for May 6 –10. The format for each meeting will consist of a general overview of the current water plan and discussion about potential updates during the morning session and location-specific water supply discussion in the afternoon. Attendees are welcome to attend all or parts of each meeting but encouraged to arrive 15 minutes early for on-site registration.

The meetings will be held in the following locations:

May 6 – Fowler Center in Jonesboro. (Afternoon session topic: Water Infrastructure)

May 7 – Fort Smith Convention Center. (Afternoon session topic: Drinking Water Supply)

May 8 – Donald W. Reynolds Campus & Community Center. (Afternoon session topic: Industrial Water Supply and Mineral Extraction)

May 9 – Rice Research and Extension Center, Stuttgart. (Afternoon session topic: Agricultural Water Supply)

May 10 – Arkansas Cooperative Extension State Office Little Rock. (Afternoon session topic: Environmental Quality and Recreation).

A virtual option will be provided on the agency website at agriculture.arkansas.gov.