Fort Smith Secures Grant for Emission Reduction

The Fort Smith Board of Directors has approved a $14.5 million grant from the federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program to develop greenway networks and reduce emissions in collaboration with regional partners. The Board is also preparing for a budget hearing to address a projected 2025 budget deficit, due to declining sales tax revenues and rising water and sewer rates. Discussions include potential changes to the city's water rate structure, aiming to remove the fourth tier and adjust the third tier charges, alongside ongoing consent decree projects to upgrade the sewer system. Infrastructure improvements and software updates, such as a waterline project and enhancements to the CityView software, are under consideration. The Board is exploring economic development and environmental collaboration initiatives as part of strategies to manage fiscal responsibilities while advancing city infrastructure and environmental goals.