Wabbaseka Mayor Andrew Goodloe has announced that the City of Wabbaseka has secured $2 million in federal funding to strengthen and improve its water treatment operations.
According to Goodloe, the funding was delivered through Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations language authored by U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Arkansas. The mayor credited Boozman’s support and leadership for helping make the investment in the city’s water infrastructure possible.
“I came into the position of mayor with a vision and a commitment to completely restore the outdated water system, including, but not limited to, the billing process, the water treatment plant, and replacing old water lines and meters,” Goodloe said.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.”
Goodloe also thanked the Wabbaseka City Council and residents for supporting the project, along with Bryan Smith, general manager of the Grand Prairie Water Distribution District; Tonya Kendrick of Communities Unlimited; and partners at the Arkansas Natural Resource Commission.
City officials said the overall project totals $10 million and includes regionalization with the Grand Prairie Regional Water District. With assistance from Communities Unlimited, the city submitted an application to the Arkansas Natural Resource Commission and received approval for the consolidation.
The project includes $7,913,193 in principal forgiveness, leaving a loan balance of $1,978,298. The $2 million federal grant secured through Boozman will cover the remaining loan amount.
Once completed, the project will provide new water meters and lines, an updated holding tank and a new treatment plant. City leaders said the improvements will be delivered at a lower and more affordable rate for residents.
“These funds will provide the resources needed to expand access to safe, reliable drinking water through inclusion in the Grand Prairie Drinking Water Regionalization Distribution District,” Boozman said. “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.”
Goodloe said investments like this improve quality of life in rural communities and ensure long-term access to safe drinking water for Wabbaseka residents.
