LITTLE ROCK (2-10) – The Arkansas Highway Commission has scheduled a series of
regional public meetings in the first quarter of 2020. The purpose of these meetings is to
educate and inform the public while soliciting input regarding proposed projects that could
be funded by a continuation of the temporary half-cent sales tax. The next meeting will be
held in Hot Springs (see attached map).

Thursday, February 20 – 5:30 p.m.
Crossgate Church
3100 E. Grand Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901

This meeting 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.

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 this regional public meeting. Attendees will have an opportunity to
ask questions directly to the Commission and ARDOT Director Scott E. Bennett, P.E

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