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

WASHINGTON, D.C.—June 18, 2026… Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), and Related Agencies, secured and voted to advance more than $105.4 million in Community Project Funding (CPF) for 19 local projects in the Third District of Arkansas. The bills that include the funding have been approved by the House Appropriations Committee and now await consideration by the full House of Representatives. Read what stakeholders are saying about these efforts and the impact that the funding will have on the community. The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) received $5 million for Arkansas Highway 10 improvements, $10 million for Arkansas Highway 59 improvements, and $7.736 million for Arkansas Highway 72 improvements in the city of Pea Ridge. ARDOT Director Jared Wiley said, “As transportation construction costs continue to outpace revenues, I am especially grateful for Congressman Womack and his commitment to providing much-needed infrastructure funding for projects in Arkansas’s Third District. Womack’s efforts have infused over $100 million for vitally important transportation projects in the past five years. This funding enabled the progression of many projects including the Springdale Northern Bypass, the XNA Connector, the Greenwood Bypass, and the Interstate 49 Extension. The 2027 appropriations package includes an additional $22.7 million for highway projects in the Third Congressional District that will improve mobility and safety for countless Arkansans.” Pea Ridge Mayor Nathan See said, “On behalf of the city of Pea Ridge, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Congressman Womack for his support in securing $7.736 million in federal funding for the Highway 72 intersection improvement project through the FY2027 THUD bill. This investment represents a significant milestone for our community and will have a lasting impact on the safety, mobility, and future growth of Pea Ridge. As one of the fastest-growing communities in Northwest Arkansas, improvements to Highway 72 are critical to meeting the transportation needs of our residents, businesses, and visitors. Congressman Womack's leadership and advocacy on behalf of our city have helped make this important project a reality. The funding will enhance traffic flow, improve safety for motorists and pedestrians, and support the continued economic development of our community for years to come. We greatly appreciate Congressman Womack's commitment to Northwest Arkansas and his partnership in addressing the infrastructure needs of growing communities like Pea Ridge. This project is a testament to what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal leaders work together toward a common goal.” Benton County received $2.1 million for the construction of a new fire and EMS station in Avoca. Northeast Benton County (NEBCO) Volunteer Fire Department Chief Rob Taylor said, "Northeast Benton County FIRE-EMS greatly appreciates Congressman Womack's help in securing funding to build and equip an EMS station in the city of Avoca that will greatly help reduce response time to the citizens of Northeast Benton County. Benton County is one of the fastest growing areas in the US. This funding will allow us to finalize our project and stay ahead of the major growth period. Without this investment, this project would not be possible since our funding comes from dues-paying members and fundraisers. Again, thank you, Congressman Womack." The city of Bentonville received $12.75 million for road improvements. Bentonville Mayor Stephanie Orman said, "Investing in transportation infrastructure is essential to ensuring growing communities remain connected, accessible, and able to meet the demands of continued growth. This project will improve mobility, strengthen connectivity, and support the long-term transportation needs of Bentonville residents and businesses. We appreciate Congressman Womack's leadership and commitment to Northwest Arkansas. His work to advance projects like this helps cities like Bentonville prepare for continued growth, remain competitive, and maintain the quality of life that attracts people and investment to our region.” The city of Cave Springs received $9 million for water system improvements. Cave Springs Mayor Randall Noblett said, "We are very thankful for Congressman Womack and his team’s hard work in securing funding for a new water tower. The city of Cave Springs is a fast-growing city, operating one of Arkansas’s largest water systems without a tower. This creates a regional strain on the system for the city that supplies water to our residents and other cities.  We are grateful for Congressman Womack’s support of this essential infrastructure project, which is critical in providing for the current and future needs of the Cave Springs Water Utility." Community Clinic received $1.026 million to renovate and modernize the Springdale Dental Clinic. Community Clinic President and CEO Judd Semingson said, "A healthy community starts with healthy people—and oral health is far more connected to overall wellbeing than most people realize. From cardiovascular health to diabetes management to childhood development, a healthy mouth matters deeply to the whole body. This investment allows Community Clinic to expand dental care and imaging for a greater impact to Northwest Arkansas, strengthening the full continuum of care our community counts on. We are very appreciative to Congressman Womack for his commitment to the health and vitality of this region. Because of this opportunity, more families across Northwest Arkansas will have access to the preventive and restorative dental care that keeps people healthy, productive, and thriving for years to come." The city of Dyer received $5 million for water system improvements. Dyer Mayor Lynn Hubbard said, “This funding will help us greatly to improve our water infrastructure within the city of Dyer. In my conversation with Congressman Womack last fall, 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 want to thank Congressman Womack and his team for their hard work in securing this funding for our water utility.” The city of Gentry received $12 million for water system improvements. Gentry Mayor Kevin Johnston said, “On behalf of the Gentry community, I want to thank Congressman Womack for his support and for recognizing the significance of wastewater system improvements and the positive impact they will have on our region. These improvements will expand the capacity of our collection and treatment infrastructure, help to address the housing shortage crisis, lessen the impact of rate increases, and improve water quality within the Third District and beyond. Because of this support, our community will continue to grow and better the quality of life in Northwest Arkansas." The city of Green Forest received $6.838 million for water system improvements. Green Forest Mayor Jerry Carlton said, “A huge thanks to Congressman Womack and all of his staff for securing funding for our growing infrastructure needs. With this funding, we will be able to align our aging water and sewer systems with our current needs and accommodate future growth in this fast-growing part of the state. This funding also ensures our water system stays safe for public use and that the sewer system stays in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations. Thank you once again, Congressman, for fighting for small towns.” The city of Lincoln received $675,000 for water system improvements. Lincoln Mayor Doug Hutchens said, "The city of Lincoln would like to thank Congressman Womack for his support of a crucial infrastructure improvement in our community. This sewer rehabilitation project will provide increased sewer capacity for our wastewater plant as we prepare for the anticipated growth in our region. Receiving these federal funds would help alleviate a financial strain and move us one step closer to replacing an aging wastewater system. I appreciate Womack’s staff and their time and effort put in to supporting the various communities in our great state." The city of Lowell received $1 million for a food bank initiative. President and CEO of Northwest Arkansas Food Bank in Lowell Taylor Speegle said, "We are grateful to Congressman Womack for his leadership and support of Northwest Arkansas families. As our region continues to grow, so does the need for a reliable food supply during emergencies and natural disasters. This investment would help ensure the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank can continue providing food to our neighbors when they need it most, even during extended power outages. We appreciate Congressman Womack's commitment to strengthening our community's emergency preparedness and food security infrastructure.” Madison County received $6 million for water system improvements. Madison County Judge Larry D. Garrett said, "Madison County is so thankful to be receiving funding for a water project in the western part of our county around Hindsville through Community Project Funding. This investment will allow for the growth that we know is coming but could not afford to fund. We appreciate Congressman Womack and his efforts to make infrastructure available." The Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport Authority received $9 million for its western concourse expansion. CEO of the Northwest Arkansas National Airport Aaron Burkes said, “We are incredibly grateful for Congressman Womack’s continued support of Northwest Arkansas National Airport and the Western Concourse project. This funding would represent a meaningful investment in the future of XNA and in the continued growth of Northwest Arkansas. As our region grows, so does the need for expanded airport capacity, improved passenger amenities, and infrastructure that supports long-term economic development. We appreciate Congressman Womack’s leadership in helping move this important project forward.” The NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) received $4.5 million for campus infrastructure improvements. NorthWest Arkansas Community College President Dr. Dennis C. Rittle said, “NorthWest Arkansas Community College is grateful to Congressman Steve Womack for his long-standing support of the college and the communities we serve. The Eagle Way Tunnel and the bike and pedestrian trails on the NWACC campus will provide a safe connection point between the Razorback Greenway and trails in Bentonville to the Rogers Railyard Loop and trails in Rogers. The improved multi-modal transportation connectivity will be transformative and unifying for the college and the region. Congressman Womack, thank you for your unwavering support to the college and this region, the place we call home!” Springdale Water Utilities received $4 million for water system improvements. Executive Director of the Springdale Water Utilities Heath Ward said, “On behalf of the Springdale Water Utilities, the Water and Sewer Commission, and the city Of Springdale, we are grateful to Congressman Womack for this funding opportunity. As our region grows at a rapid pace, the demand for improved infrastructure is critical.  The funding will assist in our ability to build a more robust water system that will safely serve future residents on the eastern side of Springdale. As the city expands eastward, the demand and need for safe and plentiful water is more important than ever. This funding, coupled with local dollars, will enhance our ability to grow in a responsible manner and have a positive impact on the community and others we also serve just outside our city limits. This includes the cities of Lowell, Johnson, Elm Springs, and parts of Washington and Benton counties.  It will have a regional impact.” The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) received $2.5 million for improvements to their workforce training center at the Northwest Regional Campus. UAMS Chancellor C. Lowry Barnes, M.D. said, “On behalf of UAMS, I want to thank Congressman Steve Womack for his steadfast support of our mission and for championing this funding, which will allow us to renovate and modernize classroom and workforce training spaces on our Northwest Arkansas campus. These improvements will expand classroom capacity, enhance instructional technology, and create innovative learning environments that strengthen our ability to educate and train future healthcare professionals. Modern learning spaces equipped with advanced technology are essential to preparing students for today’s rapidly evolving healthcare environment. This federal investment will help us meet the growing workforce needs of Northwest Arkansas and communities across our state.” The city of Van Buren received $5 million for bridge improvements. Van Buren Mayor Joe Hurst said, “Congressman Womack has consistently stepped up to help our district, and the funds he has secured to repair the Flat Rock Creek Bridge in Van Buren is another example of his outstanding efforts. This bridge is essential to our city as thousands of vehicles travel on it daily. These federal funds will help support small businesses and improve community safety and economic development. Van Buren is grateful to Congressman Womack for his continual support.” The city of Winslow received $1.28 million for water system improvements. Winslow Mayor Randy Jarnagan said, “Working with Congressman Womack and his staff has been a great opportunity for the City of Winslow's water system. This funding will allow us to totally refurbish all three of our forty-year-old potable water tanks so we can continue to provide clean water to our citizens at a reasonable cost. We appreciate Congressman Womack's continued interest in our town and this project.” 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 ###