POCAHONTAS, Ark. — Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announced Friday that a $1 million grant will fund a waterway improvement project along the Eleven Point River at the Oxborrow property in Randolph County. The money comes from the state’s settlement with Monsanto, Solutia and Pharmacia over historic PCB contamination.
State Settlement Funds Target Water‑Quality Projects
The settlement, announced on Oct. 2, restricts the $8.4 million award to water‑quality purposes. Of that total, $6.7 million is earmarked for projects overseen by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, while the remaining $1.7 million will support other conservation and stream‑restoration efforts throughout Arkansas.
Griffin’s office identified the Eleven Point River project as one of 21 initiatives that will share the settlement money. The grant will be administered by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, with Chairman Rob Finley noting that the funding will help address erosion, sediment buildup, and barriers that impair fish habitat.
Project Details and Expected Benefits
While the announcement did not include a construction timetable or a detailed description of the work planned, the grant is intended to stabilize streambanks, remove obstacles that hinder fish movement, and improve overall water quality in the river corridor. Similar projects funded by the settlement include a $1 million allocation to stabilize the banks of Crooked Creek in Baxter County.
State officials emphasize that the settlement money is strictly limited to environmental remediation and water‑quality improvements, reflecting a commitment to address the legacy of PCB pollution that has affected Arkansas waterways for decades.
Local Impact and Community Support
Randolph County residents and anglers stand to benefit from healthier river conditions, which can boost recreational fishing and protect local ecosystems. The Game and Fish Commission’s involvement ensures that the project aligns with broader state goals of preserving Arkansas’s natural resources for future generations.
Griffin’s announcement underscores the importance of holding polluters accountable and directing settlement proceeds toward tangible environmental restoration. By targeting erosion control and habitat enhancement, the Eleven Point River project aims to deliver lasting benefits to both the local community and the state’s wildlife.
Looking Ahead
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will continue to oversee the allocation of settlement funds, working with local partners to prioritize projects that deliver the greatest water‑quality improvements. As additional grants are awarded, communities across the state can expect similar investments in streambank stabilization, habitat restoration, and pollution mitigation.
For more information on the settlement and upcoming waterway projects, residents can visit the Arkansas Attorney General’s website or contact the Game and Fish Commission directly.
Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.
