Northwest Arkansas will require $1.5 billion in additional wastewater-plant investment to support the region’s future growth, according to Northwest Arkansas Council president and CEO Nelson Peacock.
The region currently has adequate wastewater capacity overall, but the infrastructure is unevenly distributed across the area. This geographic mismatch could influence where Northwest Arkansas can feasibly add new housing and commercial development.
A regional wastewater study, jointly commissioned by the Northwest Arkansas Council and the state of Arkansas, is underway to assess these needs. The study began last year and findings are expected to be released this fall. The $1.5 billion figure covers investment in wastewater plants but does not include other infrastructure the region will need.
Aryana Davin, project manager for Hawkins-Weir Engineering Inc.—the firm conducting the study—confirmed that the total investment need will exceed $1 billion.
According to Peacock, strategic decisions made over the coming years will shape the region for the next generation. A draft of the study will be reviewed by a steering committee of local leaders in September, with a public release to follow after final approval.
The Northwest Arkansas Council has scheduled its Annual State of the Northwest Arkansas Region Report meeting for October 23.