The city of Wabbaseka has secured $2 million in federal funding to strengthen and improve water treatment operations and has been approved to regionalize with the Grand Prairie Regional Water Distribution District, Mayor Andrew Goodloe announced.
Goodloe praised U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., who authored the language that delivered the investment through fiscal 2026 appropriations, for his partnership to enhance the water infrastructure in the city.
“I came into the position of mayor with a vision and a commitment to completely restore the outdated water system, including, but not limited to the billing process, the water treatment plant, and replacing old water lines and meters,” Goodloe said. “I didn’t know how this was going to be possible for a community of 108 customers, but Senator Boozman’s leadership and commitment to rural infrastructure are key to this investment.”
In a news release, Goodloe thanked all those who played a part in making this appropriation possible. He first acknowledged the City Council and the citizens who supported the project with no reservations.
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The mayor also acknowledged the support of Bryan Smith, general manager of Grand Prairie Regional Water; Tonya Kendrick of Communities Unlimited; and partners at Arkansas Natural Resource Commission. After several meetings, all parties saw the positive benefits of the city consolidating with the water district.
With the assistance of Communities Unlimited, an application was submitted to ANRC, and approval was given to regionalize. The principal forgiveness was $7,913,193 leaving a loan balance of $1,978,298.
This $2 million funding grant from Boozman will cover the remaining cost of the loan.
The completion of this project will include new water meters, water lines, an updated holding tank and a new treatment plant, all at a lower and more affordable rate for the citizens of Wabbaseka.
The mayor thanked Boozman for continuing to believe in and embrace small communities.
Investments of this nature improve the quality of life for rural America.
“These funds will provide the resources needed to expand access to safe, reliable drinking water through inclusion in the (water district),” said Boozman.
“I was proud to champion these funds to protect public health, strengthen the critical infrastructure that underpins our communities and support the responsible use of taxpayer dollars to deliver long-term benefits.”