GRAVETTE — Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe earlier this month announced approval of a grant, in the amount of $40,000, for the city of Gravette. The funds come from the Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Fund of the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, according to ANRC chairman Sloan Hampton.

“These funds will be used to assist with construction of a sewer transmission line to allow the development of a sewer system for the Hiwasse community in Benton County,” said Mark Bennett, ANRC Water Development Division Manager.

The funds will assist in the construction of a sewer transmission line east along Highway 72 from the city’s present service lines in Old Town (Nebo), will serve additional customers, and are a first segment of a service line that one day may serve the Hiwasse area.

The city, earlier, had received a $200,000 grant for construction of the line. The additional grant funds will assist in paying engineering and other costs associated with the project.

In a letter to Mayor Byron Warren, Gov. Beebe wrote, “A member of my staff will be contacting you in the near future to let you know how and when the grant award will be presented. Best wishes for much success for your endeavor.”

News, Pages 7 on 05/30/2012