Howard County Quorum Court

Some of the 2.5 million dollars Howard County is set to receive through the American Rescue Plan has been earmarked to assist with renovations for the North Howard Rural Water system.    Monday’s Howard County Quorum Court meeting was attended by a delegation from the water association, who reported that rising costs have forced them to curtail some of their planned repairs to fix leaks on the system.  The group asked j.p.’s for nearly 175 thousand dollars.  The request was approved, pending the county attorney being able to verify the money can be spent for the request.

Every county & city in Arkansas has been awarded federal funds through the rescue plan.  However, there are strict guidelines as for how the money can be spent.

The North Howard Association plans to repair a portion of its existing water line along Highway 278 from near Old Liberty Road to Greene Road.  The additional 175 thousand dollars will allow for other water line repairs to be made near Dierks Lake.

In other business yesterday, the quorum court also heard a request for rescue plan money to be used on upgraded vehicles for the Umpire Fire Department.  No action was taken, as it appears the federal funds can’t be used for this type of project.

Gabriel Green was appointed to a four year term on the Howard Memorial Hospital Board of Directors.  He replaces Margie Green, who did not seek another term.  Mark Kitchens was also reappointed to another four years on the hospital board.