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Fort Smith is charting a course toward a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future, driven by a combination of significant federal funding, innovative local businesses, and flourishing community initiatives. From ambitious solar projects to a renewed focus on local living, the River Valley is embracing a green transformation that promises to benefit residents and the environment for years to come.
The city's efforts have been supercharged by its success in securing a significant portion of a federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grant. This funding is the catalyst for a series of transformative projects designed to reduce emissions and improve quality of life. Among the most impactful are initiatives focused on transportation and renewable energy. Fort Smith is moving forward with plans to rehabilitate over 11,500 feet of alleyways, converting them into multi-use paths to encourage walking and cycling. The city is also set to install 13 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and will launch an e-bike rebate program, making sustainable commuting more accessible than ever. On the energy front, a new 850 kW solar array is being installed to power public housing units, while a larger-scale solar partnership with a local energy company aims to generate millions of kilowatt-hours of clean energy, yielding substantial cost savings for the city.
This push for sustainability extends far beyond city hall, with local businesses and community groups leading by example. The Greater Goods Marketplace, located in The Shops at Brick City, serves as a hub for ethically sourced, upcycled, and sustainable products, offering residents a convenient way to make conscious purchasing decisions. Similarly, Vanguard Cleaning Systems of the Ozarks highlights its commitment to "green cleaning," using innovative techniques that conserve millions of gallons of water annually. The city's own Department of Sanitation also plays a critical role, providing curbside recycling services and offering a "re-use area" at its Household Hazardous Waste Site where residents can pick up free materials.
The community is also cultivating a green thumb, with several programs dedicated to local food and gardening. The Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs' "Gardening Club" introduces local youth to the joys of growing their own food. For those seeking hands-on learning, the Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing serves as a 7.5-acre campus with educational and demonstration gardens, promoting a better understanding of plants that thrive in the Arkansas-Oklahoma River Valley. Additionally, the HOPE Campus maintains a garden to provide food for its kitchen, and the Fianna Hills Garden Club meets monthly to discuss home gardening and environmental protection. These efforts, combined with the educational resources of the University of Arkansas's Master Gardener Program, are empowering individuals to play a direct role in creating a more resilient and self-sufficient local food system.
By integrating these large-scale municipal projects with a vibrant network of local businesses and grassroots efforts, Fort Smith is not just adopting sustainable practices—it is building a community where environmental stewardship is at the very heart of its growth and vitality. The momentum is clear: a greener, more sustainable future for the River Valley is no longer just a goal, but a reality in the making.
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