Board awards alleyway rehabilitation contracts funded by climate grant; residents press for faster repairs

The Fort Smith Board of Directors voted Feb. 3 to authorize construction and construction‑administration contracts for an alleyway rehabilitation project funded by a Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG).

Joshua Robertson, director of citizen services, told the board that bids were rebid after an initial 60‑day window expired; six responsive bids were received and the lowest responsive bid was from Western Millerite Services at $2,612,654. He said the updated engineering estimate was $3,966,819 and that both construction and construction‑administration agreements are 100% CPRG‑funded.

Multiple residents who use the alleyways testified. Andy Hanna recounted the history of paving alleyways and urged investment: “I love the alleyways…they’re in really bad shape.” Joe Elsken said he attends meetings because he has time to walk wards and act as a consistent civic presence; he urged the board to view alleyways as assets that attract infill. Shane McKinney — an owner of eight properties bordering project alleys — said a sewer project damaged one alley two years ago and the city has repeatedly delayed repairs, creating access problems for wheelchair transport and daily life.

Board members thanked staff for securing grant funding and confirmed the alleys identified for repair are city‑owned and will be maintained by the city once complete. Directors asked about grant strings and learned the CPRG requires project reporting but no other restrictions; staff said completed alleys will be new pavement with minimal near‑term maintenance expected.

The board adopted the resolutions to award the construction contract and the construction‑administration services and approved the emergency clause; both votes were 7–0.

Next steps include executing the contracts, scheduling construction, and standard project reporting under the CPRG award.