LITTLE ROCK (10-29) – While we respect the Arkansas Supreme Court’s ruling regarding Amendment 91 funds as they relate to the Interstate 630 and 30 Crossing projects, the decision itself is a disappointing one. We will now work with our co-defendants to determine how to advance regarding this case. This ruling emphasizes now, more than ever, the need for flexibility in funding dedicated to improve the State’s roads and bridges.
In 2012, the Arkansas Highway Commission (AHC) and the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) acted in good faith, and we believe the public voted in good faith regarding Amendment 91, which established a ½-cent sales tax committed to a program of state highway widening projects, known as the Connecting Arkansas Program.
The Connecting Arkansas Program that was promised to voters in 2012 is creating safe connections to dozens of communities across our State. The delivery of these projects is ahead of schedule. The AHC and ARDOT have worked diligently to fulfill these promises.
The 30 Crossing project is an integral part of the Connecting Arkansas Program as a central connector in our overall vision for Arkansas that was promised in 2012. Interstate 30 through downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock is the highest volume corridor in the State with 120,000 vehicles per day. The design was based on many community meetings and public hearings over an 18-month period conducted by ARDOT, and was the result of much negotiation and compromise. The work includes the replacement of the Arkansas River Bridge, which will restore its structural integrity and improve the opening for the Arkansas River navigational channel. 30 Crossing is an important improvement that was promised in 2012 to Arkansas voters. The AHC and ARDOT will begin investigating alternative ways to fund this project consistent with the Supreme Court’s order.
Arkansas Highway Commission Statement Regarding Amendment 91 Supreme Court Decision
Contact: Dave Parker
NR 20-337
October 29, 2020
LITTLE ROCK (10-29) – While we respect the Arkansas Supreme Court’s ruling regarding
Amendment 91 funds as they relate to the Interstate 630 and 30 Crossing projects, the
decision itself is a disappointing one. We will now work with our co-defendants to determine
how to advance regarding this case. This ruling emphasizes now, more than ever, the need
for flexibility in funding dedicated to improve the State’s roads and bridges.
In 2012, the Arkansas Highway Commission (AHC) and the Arkansas Department of
Transportation (ARDOT) acted in good faith, and we believe the public voted in good faith
regarding Amendment 91, which established a ½-cent sales tax committed to a program of
state highway widening projects, known as the Connecting Arkansas Program.
The Connecting Arkansas Program that was promised to voters in 2012 is creating safe
connections to dozens of communities across our State. The delivery of these projects is
ahead of schedule. The AHC and ARDOT have worked diligently to fulfill these promises.
The 30 Crossing project is an integral part of the Connecting Arkansas Program as a central
connector in our overall vision for Arkansas that was promised in 2012. Interstate 30
through downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock is the highest volume corridor in the
State with 120,000 vehicles per day. The design was based on many community meetings
and public hearings over an 18-month period conducted by ARDOT, and was the result of
much negotiation and compromise. The work includes the replacement of the Arkansas
River Bridge, which will restore its structural integrity and improve the opening for the
Arkansas River navigational channel. 30 Crossing is an important improvement that was
promised in 2012 to Arkansas voters. The AHC and ARDOT will begin investigating
alternative ways to fund this project consistent with the Supreme Court’s order.