Cost increases to build Marshals Museum

The estimated price to build the U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith has grown from $25 million to between $30 million and $40 million, according to Sandi Sanders, museum project director.

Sanders, speaking in El Dorado, said the museum may take more than two years to build because the museum board wants to have the finances in place before construction starts. Architectural and presentation designs are being developed, she said.

“We were advised to make a museum that makes people want to come to Arkansas. It will be the third largest attraction in the state,” she said. “As you enter, there will be that impact, that oomph.”

To date, the museum has received $100,000 each from the city of Fort Smith and Sebastian County, $200,000 from the state Legislature and $2 million from Gov. Mike Beebe.

Sanders said a formal fundraising campaign will begin in January.