The proposed legislation establishes the Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program within the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, aimed at providing financial assistance for infrastructure projects related to water and sewer treatment facilities. The bill creates a dedicated fund, known as the "Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program Fund," which will consist of revenues authorized by law and will be utilized by the commission to award matching grants to eligible facilities. The commission is tasked with developing an application process, defining eligibility criteria, and executing grant agreements to ensure the effective disbursement and use of funds.

Additionally, the bill outlines the distribution of grant funding, with 80% allocated to shovel-ready projects in larger cities and rural systems serving populations over 1,200, while 20% is designated for smaller towns and rural systems with populations of 1,200 or less. Grant recipients must commence their projects within one year of receiving funds and cannot apply for additional grants until their current grant is closed out. The program is set to expire five years from its effective date, and the commission is required to report annually on the status of grants awarded. An emergency clause is included, emphasizing the urgent need for these grants to protect public health and safety in Arkansas.

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
Old version HB1681 V3 - 3-18-2025 10:29 AM: 19-5-905(a), 19-6-301
HB 1681: 19-5-905(a), 19-6-301