LITTLE ROCK (6-11)      The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) in conjunction with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) will hold a series of Public Involvement meetings to gather information for a study of a future Interstate 69 Connector to extend from near Wilmar , Arkansas , to Interstate 20 in Louisiana , according to AHTD officials.

     The AHTD and the Louisiana DOTD, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), recently initiated a study to determine the need for and the feasibility of extending the Interstate 69 Connector from Highway 278 near Wilmar, Arkansas, to Interstate 20 in Louisiana.

     The first of the open forum meetings will be held on Monday, June 25, 2007, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Crossett Economic Development Foundation, 125 Main Street , in Crossett , Arkansas . The second meeting will be conducted the following night, Tuesday, June 26, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Monroe Civic Center, 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, in Monroe, Louisiana.

     The public is invited to visit any time during the scheduled hours to view displays, ask questions and offer comments on the need for the Interstate 69 Connector Extension, and provide early input for the study. Representatives of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, and the Consultant preparing the study will be available to answer questions and receive comments.