Fort Smith Moves Ahead on $70M Sewer Upgrades Under Consent Decree

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

Fort Smith Advances Sewer Upgrades: Over $70 Million in Consent Decree Projects Headed to Board

Director of Water Utilities outlines progress and next phase of infrastructure improvements driven by federal mandate and community investment.

The City of Fort Smith’s Water Utilities Department is moving forward with a major infrastructure push under a federal Consent Decree that mandates sweeping upgrades to the city’s sanitary sewer system.

At a recent presentation to the Rotary Club of Fort Smith, Director Lance McAvoy provided a clear snapshot of what’s been done — and what comes next.

According to the city’s own social media post, more than $70 million in Consent Decree‐related projects will be delivered for approval at the Board of Directors’ meeting on November 4.

Progress to Date

Since the decree was filed in 2014, Fort Smith has made significant strides:

466 miles of sewer lines assessed, including 452 miles cleaned, since 2015.
Structural rehabilitation efforts have reduced the number of sanitary sewer overflow days from 382 in 2019 to 155 in 2024.
Private service lines and fats, oils & grease (FOG) programs are in active operation, helping to address root‐caused failures and blockages.

What’s Coming Next

Looking ahead, the department has laid out ambitious plans:

The total cost for remaining work is estimated at $644.8 million.
Voters granted approval in May to issue up to $360 million in bonds, funded via a sales tax reallocation to support this effort.
The upcoming board agenda on November 4 includes over $70 million in specific contracts and project scopes ready for approval — signalling a major ramp-up in construction activity.

Why This Matters

For residents, businesses and city officials alike, this program isn’t just about compliance — it’s about long-term community health and stability.

A well-maintained sewer system means fewer overflows, less disruption, and fewer costs passed onto taxpayers and ratepayers.

The vote to fund this work shows community buy-in; the upcoming contracts show action.

What You Can Expect

Over the next 12–24 months, Fort Smith is hosting a suite of visible projects: replacement of aging pipe infrastructure, manhole upgrades, service-lateral work, new asset-management software, and an improved public communication campaign that will include maps, status updates and budget info.

Small businesses, homeowners and developers within Fort Smith and the River Valley should be aware of how the infrastructure work may affect performance, scheduling of service, access and future development.

For more information or to view project maps and status updates, visit the City of Fort Smith’s Water Utilities “Consent Decree Projects” page.