City Gets 11 Extra Years to Stop Illegal Sewage Spills
Published Date: 5/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The City of Fort Smith, Arkansas, is getting more time—an extra 11.5 years—to fix its sewer system and stop sewage spills that break the law. The new plan changes deadlines and lets the city decide which repairs to do first, but it also makes sure the city has enough money to get the job done. People have 30 days to share their thoughts on this updated agreement.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Consent Decree Extended 11.5 Years
The Consent Decree for Fort Smith's sewer repairs is extended by 11.5 years, making the total term 23.5 years (June 31, 2038). The original completion date was January 2, 2027, so the city now has more time to finish rehabilitation.
City Must Ensure Adequate Funding
The Modification requires the City to ensure adequate funding for sewer system rehabilitation through specific measures. The agreement explicitly ties the revised schedule to the City's obligation to provide funding to complete the work.
Milestones Revised; City Gains Flexibility
The Modification revises interim milestones and deadlines to allow the City of Fort Smith greater flexibility in prioritizing which sewer rehabilitation projects to do first. The change alters the schedule and order of required work under the Consent Decree.
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