U.S. Senator John Boozman announced on Mar. 9 that Congress has the opportunity this year to update laws managing the nation’s water through the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) and related Environmental Protection Agency programs. Boozman said these bipartisan bills authorize projects by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and help communities address flood control, ecosystem restoration, water supply, and navigation.
The topic is important for Arkansas as water supports farmers, strengthens the economy, and provides safe drinking water to families across the state. Protecting and improving water infrastructure is crucial for maintaining a strong Arkansas now and in the future.
Boozman highlighted that WRDA has advanced projects supporting Arkansas’s economy and protecting communities from flooding, including strengthening the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS). “I was proud that the 2024 WRDA strengthened the MKARNS and increased its economic returns, all while lowering the supply chain’s environmental footprint and addressing uncertainty in the global agricultural and energy markets,” Boozman said.
He also addressed challenges faced by local communities: “In Northwest and Central Arkansas, communities are looking to expand water allocations and capacity to adequately serve growing populations as well as incoming industries.” He introduced the bipartisan Futureproofing Local Operations for Water Systems (FLOWS) Act of 2026 to help utilities adopt technologies that detect leaks, improve monitoring, and boost reliability. Additionally, he is working on improving coordination between federal agencies through the Advancing Water Resources Collaboration (AWRC) Act.
Boozman praised state leadership: “Governor Sanders has made improving water systems across the state a priority, helping direct significant investments toward modernizing infrastructure and supporting long-term planning through updates to the Arkansas Water Plan.” He emphasized cooperation at all levels of government: “When federal, state and local partners work together, we can strengthen infrastructure, support economic growth and protect the natural resources that make Arkansas such a special place to live.”
Boozman maintains district offices in Arkansas communities to assist constituents according to his official website. He has helped enact provisions expanding care for women veterans and modernizing the GI Bill according to his official website. Boozman lives in Rogers with his wife Cathy according to his official website and holds a doctor of optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry earned in 1977 according to his official website. He serves on committees including Appropriations; Veterans’ Affairs; Environment and Public Works; Rules; and Administration according to his official website.
