Arkansas Launches $25 Million Grant Program for Shovel-Ready Water and Wastewater Infrastructure
Arkansas has opened applications for a new $25 million matching grant program aimed at moving critical water and wastewater projects to construction. The program requires up to a 30 percent local match and targets shovel-ready sewer collection and treatment systems. Funding decisions will be finalized in November 2026 by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Division announced a new $25 million grant initiative designed to accelerate local water and sewer infrastructure improvements across the state. The program assists municipalities, counties, public water authorities, and facility boards in transitioning critical projects from the planning phase into active construction.
Under program guidelines, eligible wastewater projects encompass sewer collection and treatment system modernizations, with required local matching funds reaching up to 30 percent depending on population size and project scope. To ensure rapid execution, applicants must demonstrate that their projects are shovel-ready and capable of commencing construction within 12 months of award notification.
The state opened its 2026 funding cycle with application deadlines set for mid-September 2026, leading up to award determinations by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission in November. State officials emphasized that the funding builds on roughly $2.8 billion in water and wastewater financing distributed statewide since 2021, directly addressing long-term needs documented in the comprehensive Arkansas Water Plan.
EPA Announces $272 Million WIFIA Loan for Columbia, Tennessee
The EPA has awarded a $272 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to the city of Columbia, Tennessee. The funding is designated to support critical upgrades to the city's water and wastewater infrastructure.
Source: US EPA
Department of Energy Invests $27.8 Million to Decarbonize Water Resource Recovery Facilities
The U.S. Department of Energy has announced $27.8 million in funding for 10 projects focused on decarbonizing water resource recovery facilities. These initiatives aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% without increasing operational costs.
Source: energy.gov
Legislation Extending Drinking and Clean Water SRF Programs Moves Forward
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, which includes critical reauthorization for EPA water infrastructure funding. The bill authorizes $14 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and $16.5 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund over the next several years.
Source: LICA National
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