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Tax Approved: Construction on Ft. Smith Water Park to Begin in 2012

Fort Smith voters approved a 1-percent sales tax that will pay for a new aquatic center and fire station. City Administrator Ray Gosack says revenue from the ta...

Fort Smith voters approved a 1-percent sales tax that will pay for a new aquatic center and fire station.

City Administrator Ray Gosack says revenue from the tax will also pay the operating costs at the water park.  “In the initial year of operation it might lose as much as $150,000, which would be shared equally by the city and the county,” he said.

Gosack says if the park loses money, revenue from the tax will make up the difference. He said, “Parks usually don’t make money, but if an aquatic center is immensely popular as we’re hoping it will be, there is a chance that it could make money.”

Gosack says money from the tax that pays for operating costs will sunset in 10 years.

City leaders say construction on the new water park and fire station will take place in 2013.

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