Water and Wastewater Funding Program

The Arkansas Water and Wastewater Funding programs are administered by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture through its Natural Resources Division. These programs are designed to provide financial assistance for a wide range of infrastructure and environmental projects related to water quality, water supply, and waste management. Funding is sourced from a combination of state and federal programs, including the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, Water Development Fund, Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund, and the General Obligation Bond Program. Collectively, these funding streams aim to support critical public infrastructure that ensures safe drinking water, effective wastewater treatment, and environmentally responsible resource management across Arkansas. The primary purpose of these programs is to assist eligible public entities in developing, improving, or maintaining essential water and wastewater systems. Fundable project types include water supply, treatment, and distribution systems; sewer collection and treatment systems; solid waste collection or disposal infrastructure; irrigation and flood control systems; erosion and sediment control measures; and agricultural best management practices that address nonpoint source pollution. These investments are intended to enhance public health, environmental protection, and long-term sustainability of water resources throughout the state. Eligibility is limited to public and quasi-public entities within Arkansas. Qualified applicants include cities, towns, and counties; rural development authorities and improvement districts; water and wastewater treatment districts; public facilities boards and water associations; and regional solid waste authorities and conservation districts. The program is not open to individuals or private nonprofit organizations unless they are part of an eligible public entity structure. All applicants must demonstrate alignment with state water planning requirements and comply with applicable regulatory frameworks. The application process is structured and requires multiple sequential steps. Applicants must first submit a pre-application to the Water/Wastewater Advisory Committee by the 15th of each month, along with a signatory authority resolution. Projects must then comply with Act 605 requirements if applicable and request inclusion on the Project Priority List, which is necessary for funding consideration. A Water Plan Compliance Review is also required for all water and sewer projects. Once these prerequisites are satisfied, applicants must submit a complete application through the EnABLE online loan management system, which is the official portal for application submission, document uploads, and funding management activities. Financial assistance is primarily provided in the form of loans with defined interest rates and terms. State Revolving Fund loans offer rates ranging from 3.50 percent for 10-year terms to 4.50 percent for 30-year terms, inclusive of fees. State-funded programs such as the Water Development Fund and Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund have slightly higher rates, ranging from 4.50 percent to 5.50 percent depending on the term. A loan origination fee of 3 percent applies and may be included in the loan amount. Specific award amounts, total program funding levels, and number of awards are not explicitly defined, as funding is allocated based on project scope and priority ranking. There is no single annual deadline for applications. Instead, the program operates on a rolling monthly cycle, with pre-applications due on the 15th of each month and full applications accepted continuously through the EnABLE system. Only complete applications are reviewed, and funding decisions are contingent upon project prioritization and compliance with all procedural requirements. The ongoing nature of the program indicates a continuous funding opportunity rather than a fixed-cycle grant competition. Program support and technical assistance are available through designated contacts within the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. Applicants can reach out to Debra Dickson or Terri Woodard for guidance on application requirements, eligibility, and program details. Additional resources, including application forms, guidance documents, and compliance materials, are available through the department’s website.

Projects must be listed on the Priority List and submit a complete Pre-Application by the 15th of the month.