Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has approved a new $200 million plan to boost the state's water supply amid extensive drought problems.
The new financial assistance will provide around $204 million in loans or forgiveness to 45 projects across the state, with the aim of improving the landlocked region's water infrastructure and increasing access to clean drinking water.
The new funding brings the total spend on water development from Sanders' administration, which was elected in 2022, to $2.5 billion. State officials said that $145 million of the funding will be provided through loans, while $59 million will be offered as grants and loans with principal forgiveness.
The projects range from small grants to update technical systems and monitoring software, such as the $129,000 grant for the Arkansas Rural Water Association, to larger funds like the $32 million given to Faulkner County to construct a new water supply line.
The largest grant, given to Elkins in Washington County, totals over $34 million. It was allocated to rebuild sewer systems that connect to almost 4,000 residents.
Large parts of Arkansas remain in drought, with the National Weather Service reporting that over 40 percent of the state is experiencing a moderate or severe drought.
Additionally, 62 percent of the state is experiencing "abnormal dryness" of some kind.
In a statement seen by Newsweek, Governor Sanders said: "My administration has prioritized investments in Arkansas' water system and today's announcement adds another $204 million to that effort.
"I'm proud to work with our local communities and the Department of Agriculture to ensure every Arkansan has access to safe drinking water."
"Reliable water and wastewater infrastructure is essential for the sustainability of communities and industries throughout our state as well as the quality of life for every Arkansan," said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. "We are thankful for Governor Sanders' continued leadership that will ensure the long-term success of our state."
Significant areas of the U.S. remain in drought conditions despite extreme weather during hurricane season. Throughout November, 87 percent of the continental U.S. has experienced abnormally dry or worse drought conditions, making it one of the driest months in U.S. history.
Sanders ran for governor after working for President-elect Donald Trump as his White House press secretary during his first term. After he lost the 2020 election, Sanders entered the gubernatorial race with his endorsement, defeating Democrat Chris Jones. She is the state's first female governor.
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