$200,000 Awarded to City of Keiser through Mississippi County Infrastructure Grant Program

pictured, from left: Mississippi County Judge John Alan Nelson, Keiser Mayor Rick Creecy and Justice Michael White

On June 16, 2023, the Government of Mississippi County, Arkansas announced that it has awarded $200,000 to the City of Keiser, Arkansas, through their Mississippi County Infrastructure Grant Program. The funding is to be used to fund, in part, the rehabilitation of Keiser’s elevated water storage tank exterior, as well as to make improvements at the water treatment facility.

Currently, the existing coating on the tank is in very poor condition and various repairs are needed to make the tank compliant with current regulations. Water treatment facility improvements include painting the building, replacing the roof, painting the pipe gallery and making various electrical repairs. The completion of these improvements will not only ensure that the City of Keiser and customers in the rural areas outside the city limits have a functional and safe water system, but it also will aid in the growth of their community.

“This award is a fine example of how the county is partnering with our smaller cities to help upgrade critical infrastructure and make life better for all living in Mississippi County,” said County Judge John Alan Nelson.

“The City of Keiser is delighted to receive a $200,000 grant that will empower us to make substantial enhancements to our water system. We would also like to extend our sincerest appreciation and gratitude to Judge Nelson for his unwavering leadership and resolute support in this endeavor. Recognizing the importance of reliable water for a flourishing community, this funding will be utilized to paint and improve our water tank, upgrade the electrical system at the water treatment plant, and make necessary enhancements to the treatment plant and building. By making these investments, we will establish a stronger and more efficient water infrastructure that will benefit every resident of Keiser,” said Keiser Mayor Rick Creecy.

On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law. Among many other provisions, ARPA provides direct funding to each county in the United States through what is called the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Relief Fund (CLFRF). Mississippi County, Arkansas received $7,895,980 and has designated $2 million to fund the “Mississippi County Infrastructure Grant Program.”

The Mississippi County Infrastructure Grant Program will fund innovative, effective infrastructure projects designed to address the infrastructure needs of the County. Each grant will provide up to $200,000 for cities/towns within Mississippi County and can only be used for infrastructure projects pursuant to Arkansas Constitution, Article 12, Section 5 as incorporated into Article 12 by Amendment 97. These grants will fund up to 75% of project costs, with 25% cost matched by the applicant municipality.

Only Mississippi County towns/cities were eligible for the grant and the funding allocated by Mississippi County for this grant program may be used to assist with Infrastructure project planning or implementation with a priority for projects that address areas of greatest need and serve those most at-risk. The following are types of projects eligible under this program: land acquisition, site preparation, rail spur construction, water service, wastewater treatment, employee training which may include equipment for such purpose, environmental mitigation and training and research facilities and the necessary equipment.

An informative workshop was held on Friday, April 7, where the cities were invited to learn about the grant and ask questions. Applications were received from eight cities and were “scored” by iParametrics, the county’s ARPA consultant based on application metrics. 

For more information, visit the County website at mississippicountyar.org.