Highway Commission Invites Public to Learn About Funding Option at One of 12 Meetings

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The Arkansas Highway Commission invites the public to choose one of several meetings to learn about proposed projects that could be funded by a continuation of the temporary half-cent sales tax.

These meetings will consist of an open house session where attendees can view displays and visit with Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) staff. This will be followed by a brief formal presentation on the current funding and condition of the Arkansas Highway System as well as the impact that continuation of the half-cent sales tax would have in funding system preservation and new capital projects moving forward.

12 meetings have been scheduled beginning January 21st. See the dates and places below:

1. MONTICELLO – Tue Jan 21, 5:30 p.m. – UAM Fine Arts Center 371 University Drive Monticello
2. WEST MEMPHIS – Thu Jan 23, 5:30 p.m. – The Academies of West Memphis – Performing Arts Center 501 W. Broadway West Memphis
3. HARRISON – Tue Jan 28, 5:30 p.m. – Harrison High School – Performing Arts Center 925 Goblin Drive Harrison
4. TEXARKANA – Thu Jan 30, 5:30 p.m. – Trinity Baptist Church 3115 Trinity Boulevard Texarkana
5. MENA – Tue Feb 11, 5:30 p.m. – U of A Rich Mountain – Ouachita Center 1100 College Drive Mena
6. FORT SMITH – Thu Feb 13, 5:30 p.m. – The Blue Lion 101 N. 2nd Street Fort Smith
7. HOT SPRINGS – Thu Feb 20, 5:30 p.m. – Crossgate Church 3100 E. Grand Avenue Hot Springs
8. MAUMELLE – Mon Mar 9, 5:30 p.m. – Jess Odom Community Center – Gymnasium 1100 Edgewood Drive Maumelle
9. SPRINGDALE – Tue Mar 10, 5:30 p.m. – The Jones Center 922 E. Emma Avenue Springdale
10. BATESVILLE – Thu Mar 12, 5:30 p.m. – UACCB – Independence Hall 2005 White Drive Batesville
11. JONESBORO – Tue Mar 31, 5:30 p.m. – ASU – 1st National Bank Arena – Auditorium 217 Olympic Drive Jonesboro
12. EL DORADO – Thu Apr 2, 5:30 p.m. – El Dorado Municipal Auditorium 100 W. 8th Street El Dorado

In early 2019, Governor Hutchinson announced his highway funding legislative package that resulted in Act 416 and a proposed Constitutional Amendment, House Joint Resolution 1018. Act 416 provides revenue from motor fuel taxes, electric and hybrid vehicle registration fees, and casinos resulting in an estimated $95 Million in new funding to ARDOT. If the constitutional amendment is approved by voters, it will provide an additional estimated $205 Million annually to ARDOT and an estimated $43 million each to cities and counties.

Citizens with an interest in learning more about the Governor’s proposed highway program are encouraged to attend one of these 12 regional public meetings. Each of the meetings will be identical in format and presentation material. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions directly to the Commission and ARDOT Director Scott E. Bennett, P.E.