Board approves engineering contracts for three street overlay projects; sanitary sewer work added to avoid later digs

The Fort Smith Board of Directors on July 22 approved engineering services for design of three street overlay projects that together will cover about nine miles of roadway and incorporate approximately 6.3 miles of sanitary‑sewer work identified during coordination with utilities.

Acting engineering staff outlined the scope and three firms selected for phases B, C and D: Hawkins Weir (phase B, ~2.9 miles roadway, 1.5 miles sanitary sewer), Brooksy Engineering (phase C, ~3.1 miles roadway, 2.2 miles sanitary sewer) and Michael Griffin (phase D, ~3.0 miles roadway, 2.6 miles sanitary sewer). Staff said the city coordinated early with utility crews to add sewer and a small amount of water distribution work to avoid re‑digging new overlays after street construction.

Design funding for the roadway portions will come from the 2025 sales‑tax program for streets and drainage; sanitary‑sewer design funding will come from the city's 5/8‑percent sales and use tax dedicated to sewer projects. Acting engineering staff described the approach as a coordinated, multi‑department effort: “We didn't want to go back in and dig up the road after getting out there and doing a brand new road on there,” staff said.

No public speakers expressed opposition; the board approved the contracts by roll call: seven yes, zero no. Staff will return with project schedules and contract details as design work proceeds.