Arkansas City is taking another step forward in addressing aging infrastructure after the City Commission approved a series of equipment purchases that will strengthen the Environmental Services Department’s ability to replace waterlines, improve utility systems, and complete critical projects more efficiently. The investment equips City crews with new capabilities that will allow more infrastructure work to be completed in-house while reducing disruption to neighborhoods and improving response times for future projects. A key component of the investment is a 2026 horizontal directional drill package purchased from Vermeer Great Plains for $204,769.18. The drill will allow crews to install water service lines and water mains beneath streets, driveways, sidewalks, and landscaped areas without traditional open-cut excavation.
