FORT SMITH, Ark. — On Thursday, Feb. 15, Fort Smith Mayor George McGill delivered his "State of the City" address that focused on the business growth in the city, exciting projects, and how it's planning to keep up with infrastructure with so many people moving to Fort Smith.
"One of the great football coaches said when you win, very rarely do you have to explain anything. And we all are winning," McGill said. "I'm very proud of what we have accomplished together. But I'm even more excited about the possibilities that lie ahead of us."
McGill highlighted significant accomplishments that happened in the past year, such as a Fort Smith native winning Miss America.
"Miss America is from Fort Smith, Arkansas. And if you haven't read the story of Madison Marsh, please do, it is an incredible story, a story you should share with our young people," McGill said.
McGill also touted a surge in business development.
"One of the most important indicators of our city's growth is a surge in building activity. In 2023, building permit activities soared by 23%. Reaching a remarkable $494 million dollars. Since 2019, our building activity has moved has more than doubled," McGill said.
During the address, McGill reflected on the funding for the River Valley slackwater harbor project.
"The funding secured by the slackwater harbor project is huge. That slackwater harbor project is going to be huge for economic development," McGill said. "It's a $19 plus million-dollar project and we have been pursuing this property for the past six or seven years."
"Our mission enforcement is to be a dynamic, business, family and military friendly destination that welcomed people from all over the world," McGill added.
Other exciting highlights mentioned was the new baseball franchise, the opening of the Marshals Museum, and the purchase of the Acme Brick Property, which is going to be a multipurpose mountain biking park that will help alleviate up to 40% of flooding that happens along Grand Ave.
McGill said now as the area grows, they need to focus on keeping up, specifically with infrastructure.
"Fort Smith has grown a lot faster than we'd ever thought" said Mayor McGill. "It's starting to put pressure on our infrastructure. It is imperative that we invest in our roads, our bridges, and utilities to ensure the continued prosperity in Fort Smith."
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