Utilities, Beer on Tap At Fort Smith Riverfront

Fort Smith is implementing two projects identified during a 2011 administrative retreat as central to the city’s efforts to improve the waterfront along the Arkansas River.

Crews are currently installing sewer and water utilities along the right-of-way on Riverside Drive from B Street north to P Street. The utilities will serve the U.S. Marshals Museum, which is scheduled to open in 2016, as well as other developments that could accompany the museum.

“That’s the idea,” deputy city administrator Jeff Dingman said.

The Fort Smith Utility Department is overseeing the $2.1 million project, which is expected to be complete sometime this year.

The Fort Smith Board of Directors also recently approved an ordinance allowing for the consumption and sale of beer and wine at the Harry E. Kelley Park. The ordinance also opened up rental of the park to for-profit promoters, who can now host major concerts at the stage.

Before the ordinance passed in June, the only groups that could reserve the park were nonprofit, and they did not have to pay a rental fee.

Fees generated by the new ordinance are to be used to maintain the park. Any proceeds over the base maintenance cost of the riverfront park are to be used to maintain other city parks.