Work is beginning to replace most of the aging water system in Rison, according to the Cleveland County Herald.
The newspaper reported that the project will cost an estimated $3.3 million, with $1.5 million of that coming from the American Rescue Plan and another $1.8 million that was loaned from the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission.
Mayor Charles Roberts said all but $450,595.50 of that loan is “forgivable,” meaning the City Water Department will only have to pay the balance with the loan sunsetting in June 2047.
Roberts said about 75-percent of the city’s water lines will have to be replaced, and work will start in the oldest parts of the system which includes downtown and residential areas east of Main Street, including the Lanwood neighborhood. It will also extend south to areas near the school.
All the work will have to be completed by Dec. 31, 2026 because of federal regulations.
