Federal judge approves nearly $800-million sewer infrastructure program in Arkansas
(UI) — A federal judge has approved modifications to Fort Smith, Arkansas' long-running consent decree, Talk Business & Politics reported, clearing the way for the city to complete nearly $800 million in federally mandated sewer infrastructure improvements through 2038.
The revised agreement extends the original compliance deadline by approximately 11½ years while providing greater flexibility in scheduling capital projects. City officials estimate the full program will cost nearly $800 million, with about $136 million invested in sewer system improvements between 2015 and the end of 2024. According to TB&P, funding will come from a combination of sales tax revenue, sewer rate increases and bond proceeds.
The updated consent decree also removes a previously anticipated 19% sewer rate increase after 2031, establishes a three-year average for annual construction requirements, and revises the dispute resolution process to accelerate decisions between the city and federal regulators.
Fort Smith is now selecting an engineering firm to help manage the extensive wastewater infrastructure program, which stems from a 2014 consent decree with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Justice requiring long-term upgrades to the city's aging sewer system.
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