U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton and U.S. Rep. Steve Womack announced Wednesday that Fort Smith will receive an $8.5 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant to repair and rehabilitate three rail bridges that cross Clear Creek and the Arkansas River.
The project will rehabilitate structural components and the electrical and mechanical systems that control the lift span of the bridge over the river. It will replace timber trestles for the two bridges crossing Clear Creek.
"More than 50 Natural State businesses rely on these rail bridges for sending and receiving goods, and this funding will ensure that their products are able to move with greater efficiency, ultimately growing our local, regional, and national economy," Womack said in a news release. "I am confident it will have a positive impact on our communities."
The funding is awarded from the DOT's Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER, Discretionary Grant program.
