Major Milestone Achieved in Foreign Military Sales Project with the Commencement of Key Infrastructure Development
Fort Smith, AR - Fort Smith Regional Airport, in collaboration with the United States Air Force, is proud to announce the start of a pivotal infrastructure project, the "Runway 8-26, BAK 12/14 Arresting System". This development is poised to mark a new chapter in the operational capabilities of the airport to meet the needs of the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) project with an anticipated completion date on or before August 1, 2024.
The project involves a comprehensive upgrade of the airport's runway systems, enhancing both safety and functionality. Funded by the United States Air Force, this initiative is not just an infrastructure upgrade but also a strategic enhancement aligning with the broader objectives of the forthcoming Foreign Military Sales Project that is set to begin in 2024.
The design of this project is led by Fort Smith-based firm Halff and Associates while construction management is assigned to Beshears Construction, Inc., also of Fort Smith, ensuring a strong local involvement in this project.
Beshears Construction, Inc. has joined forces with several specialists, including Forsgren Inc. (Fort Smith), HMI Duluth (Minnesota, BAK installation experts), Custom Pavement Maintenance and Safety (Van Buren), Cardinal International Grooving & Grinding (Pennsylvania), and Hughes Electric (Fort Smith). This collective brings a diverse set of skills and experience that are crucial to the project's demands.
The Runway 8-26, BAK 12/14 Arresting System project is more than an infrastructure upgrade; it is a foundational step towards introducing the new Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mission to Fort Smith. This project is expected to significantly enhance the region's strategic aviation capabilities.
During this project, certain segments of the airport runway will undergo temporary closures. Despite these changes, the airport will maintain full operational capacity, ensuring the uninterrupted service of incoming and departing flights.
About the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Project: The Foreign Military Sales Pilot Training Center (FMS PTC) at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Fort Smith, Arkansas, is a strategic initiative of the Department of the Air Force, bringing F-16 and F-35 fighter jets and significant economic growth to the region. This project, involving collaboration among federal, state, and local entities, will enhance international military training with countries like Singapore, Poland, and Finland, fostering global cooperation and community development in Fort Smith and the River Valley area.
About the City of Fort Smith: The City of Fort Smith is committed to consistently providing citizen-focused services for the advancement of a thriving community. Our vision is to provide world-class services by valuing the contributions of every citizen and employee, and by being agile, values-based, and continuous learners. Integrity, professionalism, and accessibility are core values that we uphold and prioritize in everything we do.
# # #
|
