DALLAS, TEXAS, Dec. 15, 2014 -- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that it recently awarded the state of Arkansas over $13.5 million in funding to help install, upgrade and replace water infrastructure across the state.
The Arkansas Natural Resource Commission will primarily use the funds to provide loan assistance to eligible public water systems to ensure safe drinking water.
The grant was awarded as part of the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to make funds available to drinking water systems to finance infrastructure improvements. The program also emphasizes providing funds to small and disadvantaged communities and to programs that encourage pollution prevention as a tool for ensuring safe drinking water.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act (see: "Safe Drinking Water Act celebrates 40th anniversary"). The Act was passed to protect public health by regulating the nation's public drinking water supply.
Millions of Americans receive drinking water every day from public water systems. EPA works with states and other organizations to protect against naturally-occurring and man-made contaminants that can be found in drinking water.
Over the past 40 years, EPA has made great progress protecting drinking water, but many challenges remain. The Agency is committed to working with states, tribes, water sector partners, and the public to meet the challenges ahead and continue protecting public health.
See also:
"EPA awards Texas $2.5M to address petroleum leaks in underground storage tanks"
"Oklahoma receives over $14M from EPA to fund drinking water systems across state"
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