Fort Smith board authorizes application for federal noise-mitigation grant near air base

The Fort Smith Board of Directors on June 3 adopted a resolution authorizing the city administrator to submit an application to the Community Noise Mitigation Grant Program through the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation. Staff said the program could provide up to nearly $10,200,000 for sound attenuation improvements to existing dwellings in the defined noise contours around Ebony Air National Guard Base.

Staff told the board the city would be responsible for local matching funds equal to 10% of any federal grant award. The resolution also noted the city would have five years to spend any awarded funds and that staff could spread the local match across that multi-year period. City representatives said they expect notification of any award by August.

Directors asked about timing and eligibility. Director Camp noted neighborhood requests for the work and said residents wanted the city to apply. Director Neil Martin asked whether the award and the required match were budgeted; staff replied the match is not currently in the budget but could be spread over the five-year grant period and incorporated if the award is received.

The board approved the resolution 7–0. Staff will prepare the application materials and return as necessary with details on project scope and match budgeting if Fort Smith is selected for an award.