The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Thursday announced it was awarding $95.9 million to 19 watershed infrastructure projects in Arkansas.
The projects include rehabilitating dams, flood prevention and watershed restoration. The funds are part of the Biden administration’s bipartisan infrastructure law. Nationwide, the USDA is investing $420 million in 132 infrastructure projects in 31 states.
In Arkansas, the department’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with the cities of Helena-West Helena, Lake View and Marvell collectively; the cities of Forrest City, Haynes and Marianna collectively; the cities of Hughes and Jennette collectively; the city of Pine Bluff, and the city of Camden for potential projects.
Flooding has caused significant problems for those communities, including deterioration of highways, streets and bridges, the department said in a news release. The projects aim to alleviate flooding of suburban and rural homes, cropland and grazing lands, and to improve wildlife habitats and water quality.
“These investments will help protect communities and their residents here in Arkansas that are impacted by floods, natural disasters, and other watershed scale resource concerns,” NRCS Chief Terry Cosby said, speaking in Forrest City. “For example, our project here will benefit three communities with residents who not only faced socioeconomic challenges but those from flooding and the other impacts of severe weather. This project and others across Arkansas will create a more climate resilient future and will help these communities thrive in the years to come.”
The NRCS is has partnered with the Arkansas Black Mayors Association, East Arkansas Enterprise Community, conservation districts and others on the projects.
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