Governor Sanders Announces $66.5 Million in Arkansas Water Funding

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced an additional $66.5 million in financial assistance for water and wastewater projects for eight entities. The projects serve more than 60,594 Arkansans in eight counties. The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission approved this funding on January 15, 2025.

“Today’s announcement continues my administration’s commitment to making sure every Arkansas community has access to safe drinking water,” said Governor Sanders. “Thank you to the agency staff and local officials who are working in close partnership to develop sustainable solutions to water infrastructure in all four corners of our state.” 

“Reliable water and wastewater infrastructure is vital to both the quality of life for every Arkansan and the strength of our communities,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “Governor Sanders’ continued leadership on water issues ensures that Arkansas is well-positioned for future success.”

Under Governor Sanders’ leadership, the State of Arkansas has administered more than $2.8 billion for water development projects in all 75 counties using state and federal funds.

The recipients are listed below:

• Bentonville in Benton County is receiving a $55,000,000 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 54,164. These funds will be used for water resource recovery facility improvements.

•  Eureka Springs in Carroll County is receiving two loans: a $6,180,000 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund and a $100,000 emergency loan from the Water Development Fund. The projects serve a current customer base of 1,945. These funds will be used for wastewater treatment plant improvements. 

• Gravel Ridge Sewer Improvement District 213 in Pulaski County is receiving a $2,512,632 loan from the General Obligation Bond Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 1,489. These funds will be used for a sewer collection rehabilitation.  

• Horsebend Property Owners Association in Washington County is receiving a $154,500 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 51. These funds will be used for a wastewater treatment plant rehabilitation. 

• Mount Ida in Montogomery County is receiving a $586,226 loan from the General Obligation Bond Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 600. These funds will be used for a sewer plant rehabilitation.

• North Crossett Utilities in Ashley County is receiving two loans: a $848,916 loan from the General Obligation Bond Fund and a $396,288 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund. The projects serve a current customer base of 1,251. These funds will be used for meter upgrades and a sewer lift station. 

• Ola in Yell County is receiving a $343,477 loan from the Water Development Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 571. These funds will be used for a water main replacement and pump station upgrade. 

• Yellville in Marion County is receiving a $384,190 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 523. These funds will be used for wastewater collection and treatment improvements.

Asa Hutchinson joins 2024 race for the White House

by Paul Gatling (pgatling@nwabj.com)

Asa Hutchinson officially launched his presidential campaign Wednesday (April 26) in front of the Benton County Courthouse in downtown Bentonville.

In an ABC television interview earlier this month, the former Arkansas governor, mentioned as a possible candidate for nearly a year, declared that he would run for president in 2024. He spoke for 23 minutes at Wednesday’s rally in front of several hundred people. He framed the occasion as a time when the nation’s future and his personal story come together.

“Bentonville is a big part of my life story,” he said. “But, so is Gravette, where I grew up on a farm and learned the importance of family, faith, and community. I also learned hard work from my dad by cleaning out chicken houses and building fences. And my life story also includes Springdale, where I was inspired by teachers who pushed me to learn, and it was in Springdale where my political awareness began with the nation’s divide over the Vietnam War and the struggle for civil rights.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/04/asa-hutchinson-joins-2024-race-for-the-white-house/

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson officially launched his presidential campaign Wednesday (Aug. 26) with a campaign rally in downtown Bentonville.

Marijuana Card Holder Sues Over Job Loss

by Mark Friedman

A medical marijuana card holder is suing a northwest Arkansas hospital system for withdrawing a job offer after he tested positive for pot, and he says he’s not alone.

Balance “Lance” Reed of Washington County is seeking class-action status against Northwest Arkansas Hospitals LLC of Springdale, which operates several hospitals including Willow Creek Women’s Hospital and Northwest Medical Center-Bentonville.

Under the law, employers can decide not to hire a medical marijuana patient for a “safety-sensitive position,” such as being a truck driver or manufacturing explosives.

https://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/136016/marijuana-card-holder-sues-over-job-loss

Crystal Bridges Plans Expansion; Will Double in Size by 2024

by Paul Gatling (pgatling@nwabj.com)

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art announced on Wednesday (April 7) plans to double its size.

According to a news release, the Bentonville museum will expand from 100,000 to 200,000 square feet. According to the release, the expansion will showcase the museum’s growing collection and welcome more visitors.

Envisioned to support Crystal Bridges’ commitment to free access to art for all, the new space will increase capacity for presenting art and exhibitions, educational and outreach initiatives, cultural programming, and community events.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/04/crystal-bridges-plans-expansion-will-double-in-size-by-2024/

Moshe Safdie, founder of Safdie Architects, and Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art founder and board chairperson, inside the museum’s Great Hall in Bentonville.