Arkansas Water Plan Update Advances Following Completion of First Phase

Arkansas Water Plan Update Advances Following Completion of First Phase

Arkansas has made significant strides in its water management efforts with the successful completion of the first phase of the Arkansas Water Plan (AWP) update. This critical milestone was achieved through a collaborative effort between the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The AWP update, directed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ Executive Order 23-27, aims to create a comprehensive program for the management of the state’s water and related land resources. The first phase involved a thorough review of the existing plan to identify areas that require significant updates. This process included a series of stakeholder meetings and a survey to gather public feedback, which helped the department better understand the state’s current water needs and develop goals for the plan.

Goals for the Arkansas Water Plan Update

The completed first phase identified six crucial goals for the Arkansas Water Plan update, including:

– Providing drinking water that supports public health and well-being
– Ensuring water supports environmental and economic benefits
– Utilizing the best available science and technology for water resource planning
– Maintaining and improving water supply and flood control infrastructure
– Protecting and improving water quality
– Reducing the impacts of flooding events

Next Steps and Public Engagement

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture will now move forward to the second phase of the update, which is scheduled to start before the end of 2024. This phase will involve further review and implementation of the identified goals. Public input has been instrumental in the planning process, and residents are encouraged to continue participating in the process.