FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 6/4/2025
Contact: Ayden Massey, 501-813-6012
[email protected]
Governor Sanders Announces Additional Water Funding to Support Arkansas Communities
LITTLE ROCK, AR — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced $150,000 in emergency financial assistance for the City of Hoxie, along with the approval of $25 million in general obligation bonds to support water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across the state.
The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission approved the funding and passed a series resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of the bonds during its meeting on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The $25 million in State of Arkansas Water, Waste Disposal, and Pollution Abatement Facilities General Obligation Bonds will be used to address critical water infrastructure needs across the state. The current bond authority will be exhausted in 2027.
Recognizing current and future infrastructure needs, Governor Sanders signed Act 578 of 2025 during the recent legislative session. The act places a measure on the 2026 ballot that would create a new bond authority for the state. If approved, it would authorize $500 million for water and wastewater funding with no increase in general revenue.
The bond issuance follows recent strong credit ratings for Arkansas from S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s. S&P upgraded Arkansas’s general obligation bonds to AA+, the highest since 1966, which helps lower borrowing costs for infrastructure projects.
The $150,000 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund will assist the City of Hoxie in completing emergency sewer main repairs. Hoxie had previously declared an emergency in May 2025 and received an initial $100,000 in an emergency loan. The additional $50,000 will help complete the project, which serves a current customer base of 777 residents.
“Governor Sanders continues to lead on a topic of critical importance,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “Not only is she taking consistent action to address current needs, but she is also ensuring the state is positioned to address needs well into the future.”
“Ensuring the stability of our water and wastewater systems is vital to the daily lives of Arkansans,” said Chris Colclasure, Director of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Division. “Our financing tools are in place to help communities across the state maintain access to safe and consistent services.”
Under Governor Sanders’ leadership, the state has administered over $2.5 billion for water development projects in all 75 counties using state and federal funds.
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The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture, forestry, and natural resources conservation to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while sustaining natural resources and ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, visit agriculture.arkansas.gov/.
