Study: Better Levee Would Help Fort Smith Develop

Officials say the northwest corner of Fort Smith, Ark., would open for development if the levee along the Arkansas River is improved and gains federal certification.

An engineering study of the levee says improving it would lower insurance rates and would vastly improve the chances of businesses opening on agricultural land in the city’s northwest.

The levee on the north bank of the river was improved and certified, and the work helped ensure continued use of the Van Buren Industrial Park.

The Times Record reports that Fort Smith would have to spend about $2 million to $3 million to bring the five-mile stretch of levee up to standard for certification.

Information from: Southwest Times Record