Arkansas House Bill HB1681

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/25
• Refer: 3/4/25
• Report Pass: 3/19/25
• Engrossed: 3/20/25
• Refer: 3/20/25
• Refer: 4/1/25
• Report Pass: 4/3/25
• Refer: 4/9/25
• Report Pass: 4/10/25
• Enrolled: 4/14/25
• Enrolled: 4/15/25
• Chaptered: 4/17/25
• Passed: 4/17/25

Caption

To Establish The Water And Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program; And To Declare An Emergency.

Impact

The impact of HB1681 on state laws is significant, as it amends the Arkansas Code to create a dedicated fund and framework for addressing water and sewer infrastructure challenges. The bill mandates that 80% of funding be directed towards larger cities and rural systems serving populations over 1,200, while 20% caters to smaller municipalities and rural systems. This targeted approach aims to address the disparities in infrastructure needs across various communities, promoting equitable growth and enhancing water safety in Arkansas.

Summary

House Bill 1681 establishes the Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program in Arkansas, aimed at improving infrastructure related to water and sewage systems across the state. Under this program, grants will be awarded to various water and sewer treatment facilities to ensure they can enhance or replace systems that are currently in disrepair. The initiative is aimed particularly at supporting shovel-ready projects to facilitate swift implementation and public benefit. By creating a specific fund designated for this purpose, the bill ensures that resources are allocated efficiently to zones in need of urgent upgrades.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1681 appears largely positive, with strong agreement among lawmakers regarding the importance of clean water access and effective sewer systems for public health. While specific opposition details are not highlighted in the discussions, the necessity of the bill, especially in light of potential public health crises tied to aging infrastructure, has generated a supportive atmosphere among legislative representatives. This indicates a collective recognition of the critical need for investment in water management systems.

Contention

Despite the general support for HB1681, there may be underlying concerns regarding funding allocation and eligibility criteria for the grants. Some stakeholders may worry that smaller communities might be overlooked or insufficiently supported in comparison to larger municipalities. Additionally, the expiration of the program after five years raises questions about the long-term sustainability of the improvements initiated through these grants. These points of contention could lead to further discussions on how to effectively enhance water infrastructure without marginalizing the needs of smaller or less-resourced communities.