Arkansas approves $13 million for water projects
A storm sewer grate after the rain. (Getty Images)
The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission approved $13.6 million in loans and grants for various water infrastructure projects on Wednesday.
The number includes $1.8 million to the Division of Environmental Quality to start a PFAS testing program.
In addition to the DEQ grant, 11 other entities are receiving money in amounts ranging from just over $7 million to Sherwood to rehabilitate part of its wastewater infrastructure, to $41,037 to the Nail Swain Water Association in Newton County to purchase a maintenance truck.
The money comes from a group of state funds and revolving loan funds awarded to the state by the Environmental Protection Agency.
'Access to dependable water and wastewater systems is essential for the wellbeing of Arkansans and the growth of our communities,' Chris Colclasure, director of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Division, said in a press release. 'The projects approved today will provide substantial benefit to the citizens served.'
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in the same release that the $13 million in funding 'will help communities around the state have access to safe drinking water.'
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