Americans for Action & Delta Magic partner to host Strategic Water Convening
Representatives from Americans for Action, Delta Magic, East Arkansas Planning, Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Communities Unlimited, Arkansas Rural Water, USDA and the City of Helena-West Helena gather to discuss future funding and solutions for water issues across the city.
Delta Magic partnered with Americans for Action (A4A) to convene local, state, and federal stakeholders for the Helena-West Helena Strategic Water Convening. These discussions uncovered an additional grant opportunity to upgrade severely aged water infrastructure and will inform initiatives to educate the community on key challenges and future plans.
As of now, the city of Helena-West Helena has a new well that serves its population of residents in West Helena. The completion of the new well removes stress and demand off an older, more fractured water well system. Funding has also been dispersed for both sections of the city, with Helena receiving 11 million dollars for focus on water and waste updates and West-Helena receiving 16 million dollars.
Organizations mentioned new funding opportunities that may help the city resolve current issues and help start next steps in the process. While some grant opportunities would not require any match or repayment, the challenge of fully funding the improvements for city water and waste through non recoupable grants persists.
Looking ahead, all agencies present voiced commitment to see Helena-West Helena resolve all issues as they relate to the water and waste system. Local engineers have been brought in as core members of the effort. As well, a campaign to begin educating residents on the likely need for rate increases and education on responsible usage is looking to take off. With the focus being to speak to the age of the system, increase awareness for the local community and continued financial assistance through partnerships, the city of Helena-West Helena looks to resolve aged issues of water system efficiency.