Fort Smith Bonds — Van Buren Harbor Connection

When Fort Smith voters approved a new bond initiative, few realized just how closely it tied into projects across the river.

 

Those funds are now helping support infrastructure tied to Van Buren’s Slackwater Harbor, creating a powerful regional partnership.

 

Shared Goals, Shared Growth

 

Both cities have worked to modernize river access, utilities, and industrial corridors.

 

By pooling bond funding and grant support, Fort Smith’s improvements to highways and utility lines will directly benefit the new Van Buren port.

 

Economic Cooperation

 

Local leaders say this collaboration is one of the strongest examples of “regional thinking” in decades.

 

It reflects a shared understanding that what helps one city helps the entire River Valley.

 

“This isn’t about competition—it’s about connection,” said one economic advisor. “These projects create a stronger, more unified economy for western Arkansas.”

 

The Takeaway

 

The River Valley’s growth isn’t just local—it’s collective.

 

As Fort Smith and Van Buren move forward together, their partnership along the Arkansas River could become a model for small metro cooperation statewide.