FORT SMITH, Ark — The multi-million dollar Peak Innovation Center in Fort Smith provides career and technical training to high school students across the area, but it has faced flooding issues since it opened in 2022.
Senior Project Consultant George Feathers, who works for Envista Forensics, presented conclusions to the Fort Smith Public School Board of Education on March 26.
The report claimed that architectural, plumbing, and civil drawings of the east wing roof were not coordinated, causing issues along the rainwater drainage system.
Gutters, downspouts, and roof drainage piping also reportedly did not meet size requirements.
In the meeting, board member Talicia Richardson said that she sees the value in the report, but said fixing the issues is "going to cost money."
“We need to fix what needs to be fixed, we need to move on,” Richardson said. “We need to understand our liability, if any, but also know that if we do that, we're going to have to continue down this road.”
Despite the drainage issues, Feathers told the board during questioning that he does not believe any of the issues currently present a threat to the safety of those who occupy it.
“No issues inside the building right now jeopardize the health and safety of the students or staff inside the building," said Feathers, who went on to add that in a worst-case scenario, however, problems could arise.
“If one of those roof drains clogged up, for example, and backed up water onto that roof, the question is, ‘[Can the roof] that's not being inspected regularly ... hold up that water?’” Feathers said.
A solution for the drainage issues, and who would be responsible for fixing it was not brought up during the meeting.
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