Project Concern Financial Eligibility Guidelines

Project Concern Update

Project Concern is a utility assistance program established by the City of Fort Smith to provide relief to low‐income customers who use utility services solely for residential purposes.

The U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines have been updated as of January 15, 2020. This update is reflected in the City’s Project Concern income limits. See if you qualify!

 

Assistance

project concern

Project Concern is a utility assistance program established by the City of Fort Smith to provide relief to low-income customers who use utility services solely for residential purposes. Applicants must provide a completed and signed application along with proof of income for all household members. The applicant’s city utility bill must be in the applicant’s legal name. Gross household income must not exceed 165% of the current federal poverty guidelines. Participants are required to requalify annually or when moving to a new address.

The program allows eligible participants to receive the following discounts:

  • Water Services – 50% of base charge
  • Sewer Services – 50% rate discount
  • Sanitation Services – 19% discount

Download the Project Concern application and guidelines through the button.

Application packets can be picked up in person at the following Fort Smith locations:

  • Utility Offices – 801 Carnall Avenue
  • City Offices – 623 Garrison Avenue
  • Antioch for Youth & Family – 1122 N 11th Street
  • United Way – 120 N 13th St
Project Concern Application

Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP)

As part of an agreement with the EPA, the City has developed a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) to help low-income homeowners pay for private sewer line repairs.

To qualify for the program, homeowners must meet both of the requirements below:

  1. Must have a defect for Infiltration and Inflow or “I&I” – This happens when rainwater enters your private sewer line through a pipe defect and then flows into the City’s sewer system. This can cause the sewer system to overflow.
  2. Must be a low-income homeowner according to the SEP Eligibility Income Limits. Eligibility will be determined by reviewing the combined gross income of all persons living in your home.
This program was developed as part of the City’s Private Service Line Defect Remediation Program. This project was undertaken in conjunction with the settlement of an enforcement action, United States et al. v. City of Fort Smith, (C.A. No. 2-14-cv-02266-PKH, W.D. Ark.), taken on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Water Act.

Download the SEP application and guidelines through the button.

Application packets can be picked up in person at 801 Carnall Avenue.

Private Service Line Program
SEP Guidelines and Application

 TEMPORARY UTILITY PAYMENT PLAN OPTION

Some customers with delinquent utility accounts may qualify for a temporary payment plan.

Disconnects for non-payment of utility bills resumes February 2020.

A temporary payment plan option is now available to help residential customers bring delinquent accounts up to date. This program applies only to customers with at least 2 unpaid bills that were due prior to January 25th, 2020. Bills due after January 25th, 2020 are not eligible for the payment plan. All new and future charges must be paid on time, including late fees.
Customers should refer to the most recent billing statement for any outstanding amount due. Direct questions for account balances and payments to:

 

Citizen Services
City of Fort Smith Utility Department
623 Garrison Ave
Fort Smith, AR 72901
Phone: (479) 784-2262 | Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Email: CustomerService@FortSmithAR.gov
Online Payments: accounts.fortsmithar.gov

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