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What They Are Saying: Third District Stakeholders Welcome Community Projects Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. — July 25, 2025… Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, authored, secured, and voted to advance funding for Third District of Arkansas priorities. The funding for all of these projects has passed the House Appropriations Committee and the bills that contain these projects now await consideration by the full House.

Read what stakeholders are saying about these efforts and the impact they will have on the community.

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) received $3 million for Arkansas Highway 112 construction improvements, $3 million to fund the construction of future Interstate 49, and $59 million for the construction of the Springdale Northern Bypass.

ARDOT Director Jared Wiley said, “We are thankful for Congressman Womack’s tireless support of infrastructure projects in District 3, including major projects like the Springdale Northern Bypass, Highway 112, and Interstate 49. These projects improve the quality of life for everyone in this rapidly growing region. Congressman Womack has been instrumental in securing tens of millions in Community Project Funding for projects here in Arkansas. We deeply appreciate his steadfast leadership and commitment to strengthening Arkansas’ infrastructure.”

Benton County received $1.25 million for fire station improvements.

Northeast Benton County (NEBCO) Volunteer Department Fire Chief Rob Taylor said, “NEBCO FIRE-EMS thanks Congressman Womack for securing funding for much-needed improvements to our Fire and EMS District. This support enables us to provide faster, more effective service to the growing community of Northwest Arkansas. Without it, the project would not be possible. As our service is primarily funded through dues-paying members and fundraising efforts, we are especially grateful for this assistance.”

Benton County Water District # 1 PWA of Arkansas received $1.75 million for water system improvements.

Benton County Water District #1 Manager Jacob Davis said, “This funding will help us add a new master meter onto the City of Rogers, as well as upgrade older lines in the county. By upgrading the older parts of the system, we can lower leak rates and reduce the cost of water, passing along these savings to our customers. We thank Congressman Womack for his work to include funding for this project.”

The City of Elkins received $3.75 million for water system improvements.

Elkins Mayor Troy Reed said, “This funding will help us greatly to improve our water infrastructure within the City of Elkins. In my conversation with Congressman Womack, he emphasized his commitment to helping rural communities in Arkansas, and his work to secure this funding reflects the kind of leader he is. I truly appreciate him and his team for all their work.”

The City of Farmington received $6.5 million for bridge repairs.

Farmington Mayor Ernie Penn said, “These federal funds will allow our city to repair the critical Farmington bridge, restoring access to one of our most important and high-traffic roads. The improvements made possible by this funding will increase safety and help our citizens travel more efficiently throughout the city. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Womack for his continued support of our city.”

The City of Fort Smith received $3 million for water system improvements.

Fort Smith Mayor George B. McGill said, “We are deeply grateful to Congressman Steve Womack for securing $3 million in federal funding to support vital improvements to Fort Smith's water system. This investment, made possible through the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriation Bill, strengthens our infrastructure and ensures safe, and reliable water service for our growing community. Congressman Womack's continued advocacy for Fort Smith is helping build a stronger future for all our residents."

The City of Huntsville received $3 million for water system improvements.

Huntsville Mayor Travis Dotson said, “Madison County, particularly Huntsville, has seen record growth in recent years.  Since our first discussion two years ago with Congressman Womack as to the immediate need for water upgrade and sewer rehabilitation, Congressman Womack and his team have worked tirelessly to see our projects to fruition. After personally seeing first-hand, the day to day in DC and knowing what Congressman Womack must contend with every day, the City of Huntsville will always recognize and hold in high regard, the gravity of this help to our community and the personal dedication of Our Congressman-Congressman Womack.

Mercy Hospital Berryville received $1.376 million to establish an MRI unit.

Mercy Hospital Berryville Administrator Tom Guhr said, “Our community and the surrounding region depend on Mercy Hospital Berryville — a critical access hospital in rural Arkansas — for timely, high-quality care. The absence of full-time MRI services delays essential testing and treatment and places added stress on patients and families who must travel long distances for care. Bringing a permanent MRI to Mercy Hospital Berryville would be transformational. It means patients can stay close to home, receive timely scans and begin treatment without unnecessary delays — an essential step toward faster, more effective recovery. This project is not just about a machine – it’s about access, dignity, and health equity for rural families. We are thankful for Congressman Womack’s help and hopeful for the federal assistance, and we are forever grateful for the philanthropic funding from the community that will support the MRI build-out needed to bring a new standard of care to rural Arkansas.”

The City of Mountainburg received $4.4 million for North Central Crawford County water system improvements.

Mountainburg Mayor Susan Wilson said, "This has been the project of a lifetime and one that would not have been possible without Congressman Womack's support. Thanks to this funding, safe and clean drinking water will be available to more residents in our region than ever before. What began as a pipe dream is now within reach, and this critical funding will allow us to see the project through to completion."

The City of Mulberry received $500,000 to update the City's Community Food Pantry.

Suzy Ferguson, Director of Mulberry Community Food Pantry, said, “The Mulberry Community Food Pantry is incredibly grateful and humbled to be a recipient of this significant funding. We are caring for real people with real needs every day. This funding will be instrumental in furthering our mission to address food insecurity, expand our reach, enhance current programs, and contribute to a healthier, more resilient community. We are so very grateful to Congressman Steve Womack for his support and collaborating with us to build a stronger safety net for Arkansas families.”

The City of Pea Ridge received $2.75 million to construct a new fire station.

Pea Ridge Fire Chief Clint Bowen said, “The Pea Ridge Fire Department would like to thank Congressman Womack for the attention and dedication to get this funding approved to build another fire station for our rapidly growing community.  Our citizens, schools, and businesses will benefit from greater coverage for fire and emergency medical services.”

Springdale Water Utilities received $3 million for water system improvements.

Springdale Mayor Doug Sprouse said, “On behalf of the residents of Springdale, and Springdale Water Utilities, I want to thank Congressman Womack and his team for their hard work in securing this funding for our water utility. This funding will be critical as we continue to provide the infrastructure needed to address our rapid growth.”

The City of Tontitown received $12.2 million for water system improvements.

Tontitown Mayor Angela Russell said, “The City of Tontitown is extremely grateful to have received the funding for the construction of the gravity sanitary sewer system. This project is a significant development for our community, and we are very thankful for the Congressman’s support. The new gravity sanitary sewer system will greatly expand sewer capacity for Tontitown and the surrounding areas, serving our community effectively for many years to come. We believe this expansion will support future growth and improve our infrastructure significantly.”

In-depth information on projects and other appropriations package highlights can be found HERE.

 

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

womack.house.gov

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