H2Ozarks Among Groups Benefitting from Latest Grants from Arkansas Department of Agriculture

Several organizations in and around the Lakes Region are among the groups that are receiving money from the State of Arkansas.

According to a release from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, they have been awarded $3,175,000 through the 2026 Clean Water Act Section 319(h) Grant Program from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The department uses these funds to help organizations throughout the state that support projects that reduce nonpoint source pollution in the state’s waterbodies through the Department’s Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Program.

H2Ozarks, which is involved in water projects in both Arkansas and Missouri, is one of this cycle's recipients. They will receive $135,792 to advance low-impact development, public outreach, and workshops in the Kings River watershed.

Other organizations with projects for northern Arkansas include the Beaver Watershed Alliance, which will receive $350,622 to reduce sediment and nutrient loads in the Beaver Lake and Illinois River watersheds while the Watershed Conservation Resource Center will receive $298,500 to implement nature-based solutions and long-term restoration measures to reduce sediment and nutrient loads.

“Every Arkansas family should have access to safe, reliable water in their communities,” said Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders. “That’s why I am incredibly grateful to President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for this funding. Together, we can ensure that Arkansas’ infrastructure is able to meet the increasing demand in our state while not sacrificing quality.”

“Clean water is critical to the quality of life that we enjoy in Arkansas and is one of the most important investments that we can make in our state’s future,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “These investments strengthen partnerships and help ensure that our rivers, lakes, and streams remain healthy for every Arkansan now and into the future.”

“Protecting Arkansas’ water takes strong partnerships, and these projects reflect the commitment of communities, conservation groups, and state and federal agencies working together and sharing resources,” said Chris Colclasure, Director of the Department’s Natural Resources Division. “This collective effort is what turns plans into actions to improve water quality for the benefit of every Arkansan.”

Since 2023, the Department’s Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Program has received $13,198,274 through the EPA’s Clean Water Act Section 319(h) Grant Program. When combined with partner matching contributions, $23,692,205 has been invested in 48 projects across the state to improve water quality. Learn more about the program on the Department’s website.

For this funding cycle, a total of $5,547,513 in project activity was identified, including $3,175,000 in federal funds and $2,372,513 in matching funds. This year’s award will support 18 projects.

Projects were selected based on federal program requirements, priorities in the 2024–2029 Nonpoint Source Management Plan, and projected measurable improvements to water quality. Priority areas include pollutant load reductions, voluntary practices in targeted watersheds, restoring beneficial uses, expanding education and outreach, and building partner capacity.

(This story was written with information provided by a release from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture)