Fort Smith will receive $12 million in federal funding to improve its water infrastructure, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Sen. John Boozman announced Friday.
The funding will support construction of roughly three miles of raw water pipeline connecting Crawford County to Fort Smith. The project is intended to improve the city’s water system and support communities in the River Valley that depend on it.
Federal funding for the project
The money is coming through Congressional Directed Spending, a federal funding mechanism that allows lawmakers to direct money to specific projects. The announcement identified Boozman as a partner in securing the funding for Fort Smith.
Scott Mason, administrator of EPA Region 6, said the project would provide a long-term water infrastructure improvement for Fort Smith residents. The EPA covers Arkansas and other states in the region.
“Reliable water infrastructure is foundational for families, businesses, and communities to prosper and grow,” Mason said.
Mason said the federal agency worked with the city and Boozman on the project. He said the investment would help provide Fort Smith residents with clean water for decades.
Pipeline and regional water system
Fort Smith Mayor George McGill said the project would make the city’s water system more reliable and benefit other communities across the River Valley. The city’s water infrastructure serves residential and commercial needs in the region.
“Water is essential to everything we do, from taking care of our families to growing our businesses and welcoming new opportunities to Fort Smith,” McGill said.
The project’s announced elements include:
- $12 million in federal Congressional Directed Spending;
- a raw water pipeline of roughly three miles; and
- a connection between Crawford County and Fort Smith.
The EPA said the funding is part of its effort to provide clean and safe water for communities. McGill thanked Boozman and the agency for their roles in making the project possible.
