Arkansas Voters to Decide on $500 Million in Water and Infrastructure Bonds

Arkansas voters will decide during the November election whether the state should issue up to $500 million in general obligation bonds to fund projects related to water, waste disposal, pollution control, and other infrastructure needs.

Known as Issue 4, the measure would authorize the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission to issue bonds under the Arkansas Water, Waste Disposal, and Pollution Abatement Facilities Financing Act of 2025. The bonds could finance or refinance projects such as water systems, waste disposal, water pollution control, drainage, irrigation, flood control, and aquatic resource initiatives serving Arkansas residents.

The total principal amount of bonds issued under Issue 4 could not exceed $500 million. Of this total, no more than $165 million could be allocated to finance or refinance irrigation facilities. Bonds could be issued incrementally, but no more than $60 million in principal could be issued during any two-year period without prior approval from the Arkansas General Assembly. This two-year period would begin on July 1 of each odd-numbered year.

Unlike the first three items on the November ballot, which propose constitutional amendments, Issue 4 is a bond authorization request. If approved, the bonds would be backed by the full faith and credit of the State of Arkansas, meaning the state commits to repaying the debt.

The measure arrived on the ballot through Act 578 of 2025, legislation approved by the Arkansas Senate and House of Representatives. The act requires that voters consider the bond proposal during the 2026 general election or at a special election called for that purpose. Act 578 became law on April 14, 2025, and was sponsored by Sen. Bart Hester of Cave Springs and Rep. Howard Beaty Jr. of Crossett.

A "FOR" vote on Issue 4 supports authorizing the state to issue general obligation bonds for water, waste disposal, pollution abatement, and related projects, up to the specified limits. An "AGAINST" vote opposes allowing the state to issue the bonds.

To participate in this decision, Arkansas residents must be registered to vote by Oct. 5. Early voting begins on Oct. 19, with Election Day scheduled for Nov. 3.