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Fort Smith offering discounts to residents struggling to pay for utilities

Project Concern is assisting eligible residents of Fort Smith by providing discounts on water, sewer, and solid waste services.

FORT SMITH, Ark. — Spanish version: Para español haga clic aqui.

The City of Fort Smith is trying to help residents pay for utilities. 

The Project Concern program provides assistance to low-income residential water utilities customers. 

“The idea was to help our citizens and customers who are less fortunate to be able to make sure that they can afford water and sewer services as well as solid waste pickup," Lance McAvoy, Director of Water Utilities for Fort Smith, said. 

Benefits include a 50% discount on water and sewer services, as well as a 25% discount on solid waste services for those eligible. 

“Once you qualify, all three are included, because it all comes in one bill in Fort Smith. Your next bill will have those reductions," McAvoy said. 

According to the city, gross household incomes must not exceed 165% of the current federal poverty guidelines to qualify for the program. 

The December 2023 Project Concern monthly report showed 678 current active participants with an average savings of $36.05 per participant per bill cycle.

Residents can submit their applications by mail, email or in person at the Water Utilities Department.

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