LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Tuesday that the state is investing more than $42 million in water projects, including the troubled Helena-West Helena system.
A spokesperson for the governor's office said the water and sewer project will impact more than 22,000 Arkansans. The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission approved the funding on February 28th.
HELENA – West Helena's water system has left residents without water twice since December. In both cases, aging pipes burst after temperatures dropped below freezing.
A spokesperson for the governor's office said a loan was approved for repairs to the Helen West Helena system and drinking water was provided, as well as National Guard support.
The locations receiving funding are:
- Helena West-Helena Phillips County will receive a $100,000 emergency loan from the Water Development Fund and an $11 million loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for this project is 5,500 people.
- Mena, Polk County will receive an $11,583,500 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for this project is 5,558 people.
- Tri-County Regional Water District; Pope County will receive a $5,000,000 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for this project is 3,500.
- mountain burg, Crawford County will receive a $7,037,300 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for this project is 6,184 people.
- mulberry, Crawford County will receive a $7,549,317 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for this project is 1,543.
“All Arkansans deserve access to safe, consistent running water,” the governor said. “My administration has prioritized improving water infrastructure in Arkansas, and today I am proud to announce $42 million in much-needed assistance to communities facing significant challenges with their existing water facilities. I think so.”
The governor also called for a comprehensive analysis of the issue. Arkansas Water Plan In August. This plan was last updated in his 2014.
