• City of Decatur Awarded American Rescue Plan Funds for Western Benton County Water Project
  • July 29, 2022

  • The project is estimated to take a year and a half before residents will be hooked up to the water system.

    The Benton County Quorum Court awarded $2,000,000 of American Rescue Plan funds to the City of Decatur for the Western Benton County Water Project. The City of Decatur will use these funds along with additional funds that have been secured for the completion of the project. Benton County received $54 million from the federal government, as part of the American Rescue Plan. Justices of the Peace have appropriated these funds to various County projects, local non-profits, and cities for the purpose of improving the quality of life of residents.  

    This generous donation from the Quorum Court will be used to expand current water lines from main lines in the County that Decatur has had in place for years. The purpose will be to service houses that need water desperately that are currently using purchased water, well water that is sulfur-ridden, or spring water in some cases. The project will service approximately 40 residents on the outer western side of Benton County.

    In August 2021, Benton County requested organizations apply for economic recovery assistance as part of the American Rescue Plan. The County received 57 applications, including the proposal from the City of Decatur. Quorum Court members based funding approval on the established federal criteria for ARP projects and considered whether the proposals would have a positive impact on the Benton County community. 

    What is the American Rescue Plan?

    According to the U.S. Department of Treasury, The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds provide a substantial infusion of resources to help turn the tide on the pandemic, address its economic fallout and lay the foundation for a strong and equitable recovery. The U.S. Department of Treasury is launching this relief to:

    • Support urgent COVID-19 response efforts to continue to decrease spread of the virus and bring the pandemic under control
    • Replace lost revenue for eligible state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to strengthen support for vital public services and help retain jobs
    • Support immediate economic stabilization for households and businesses
    • Address systemic public health and economic challenges that have contributed to the impact of the pandemic