The Arkansas Department of Agriculture administers a range of financial assistance programs supporting the planning, construction, and rehabilitation of water and wastewater infrastructure throughout the state. These programs leverage both federal and state funds and are designed to improve public health, environmental quality, and long-term water resource sustainability in Arkansas communities.
The funding supports projects such as water supply and treatment systems, sewer and wastewater infrastructure, solid waste disposal, flood and irrigation control, erosion mitigation, and implementation of agricultural best management practices. Eligible applicants include cities, towns, counties, rural development authorities, water and wastewater treatment districts, public facilities boards, water associations, regional solid waste authorities, and conservation districts. These entities may apply for loans under various funding streams 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.
To apply, all prospective applicants must submit a WWAC Pre-Application by the 15th of the month, accompanied by a Signatory Authority Resolution. Following this, applicants must review Act 605 requirements, request priority ranking (separately for clean and drinking water projects), and complete a Water Plan Compliance Review. Final applications must be submitted through EnABLE, the department’s online loan management system, which also allows for document uploads, reimbursement requests, and account management. Only complete applications will be reviewed.
Loan terms vary depending on the fund source and duration. State revolving loan fund interest rates range from 3.50% for 10-year terms to 4.50% for 30-year terms, while state program rates range from 4.50% to 5.50% respectively. A loan origination fee of 3% applies, which may be included in the loan amount. CGO program interest rates may fluctuate depending on bond issuance.
The funding opportunity does not appear to be recurring on a fixed schedule, but is available year-round with rolling deadlines. The state accepts monthly applications, with reviews taking place on an ongoing basis. Interested applicants should contact program representatives Debby Dickson or Amy Theriac for additional guidance and ensure compliance with submission requirements.
Projects must be listed on the Priority List and submit a complete Pre-Application by the 15th of the month.
