LITTLE ROCK (2-6) – The Arkansas Highway Commission is in the process of hosting a
series of regional public meetings in the first quarter of 2020.

The meeting in Batesville has been rescheduled for Monday, March 30, 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 halfcent sales tax. The Department has hosted four meetings across the State and there are eight
more planned in Mena, Fort Smith, Hot Springs, Maumelle, Springdale, Batesville, Jonesboro
and El Dorado (see attached for specific dates and locations).

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.

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.

For more information about these meetings, or Issue One, visit http://ardot.gov/renew.

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