The proposed legislation establishes the Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program under the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, aimed at providing financial assistance for infrastructure projects related to water and sewer treatment facilities. The bill amends existing laws to facilitate the transfer of up to $50 million annually from the Securities Reserve Fund to a newly created Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program Fund. This fund will be utilized to award matching grants to eligible facilities, with specific criteria and processes outlined for application and grant distribution.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that 80% of the grant funding will be allocated to larger cities and rural systems serving populations over 1,200, while the remaining 20% will support smaller towns and systems serving populations of 1,200 or less. The program is designed to ensure that projects are "shovel-ready" and mandates that grant recipients commence their projects within one year of receiving funds. The legislation includes an emergency clause, emphasizing the urgent need to address public health and safety concerns related to water systems in Arkansas, allowing the act to take effect immediately upon approval.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1681 Original - 3-4-2025 04:33 PM: 19-5-905(a), 19-6-301
Old version HB1681 V2 - 3-11-2025 09:56 AM: 19-5-905(a), 19-6-301
HB 1681: 19-5-905(a), 19-6-301