Intermodal authority soon to be discussed by Fort Smith directors

The Fort Smith Board of Directors will begin Tuesday a formal conversation that could help establish an intermodal authority that promises to significantly improve shipping conditions for regional manufacturers.

City Director Steve Tyler and City Administrator Dennis Kelly have been part of a process that officially began Feb. 18 to create the intermodal authority. The city board will discuss the authority during its July 14 study session.

The Western Arkansas Planning and Development District is shepherding a process to identify the viability of creating a formal organization that would develop, maintain and/or operate intermodal/port facilities. The goal is to create a structure and facilities “that would enhance regional freight management and advance the competitiveness of the region’s business,” according to WAPDD information. In other words, the group hopes to maximize the use of all forms of transportation — rail, barge, air, interstate — so as to reduce shipping costs and increase service options for regional business and industries. The regional task force studying the issue first met Feb. 18, and in late April hired Mat Pitsch to direct the effort.

“The staff recommends Fort Smith join in the creation of the Western Arkansas Intermodal Authority. Creation of the authority will assist with business recruitment and retention, and will expand the region’s capability as a major shipping hub,” according to a July 9 memo from Deputy City Administrator Ray Gosack to Kelly.

The authority requires approval from the governing bodies in Fort Smith and Van Buren, and the quorum courts in Crawford County and Sebastian County. According to the agreement to be considered by the four governing bodies, the primary purpose of the authority “shall be to acquire, equip, construct, maintain, and/or operate an intermodal facility or facilities” in the effort to improve shipping products into and out of the Fort Smith area.

Pitsch said the hope is to have the 11-page document creating the authority approved by Aug. 27. The regional multi-modal transportation authority is allowed under Act 690 of the 2001 Arkansas General Assembly. If all goes well, Pitsch said the authority’s first meeting of new board members could happen Sept. 16.

Among many other legal details, the document to be considered would create a 12-member board based on the following appointments:
• The mayor of each city (Fort Smith and Van Buren) will appoint three members — one member must be a government or elected official, one member must represent a manufacturer or shipper, and one member must be a city resident.

• The county judges of each county (Crawford and Sebastian counties) will appoint three members — one member must be a government or elected official, one member must represent a manufacturer or shipper, and one member must be a county resident.

Pitsch said the authority will “truly allow economic development to be conducted on a regional basis” in terms of shipping goods and commodities into and out of the area.