LITTLE ROCK (7-31) The Arkansas State Highway Commission has announced the release of the Draft 2006 Arkansas State Highway Needs Study and Highway Improvement Plan.

     The draft study identifies $19 billion in improvements needed on Arkansas highways over the next ten years.  The document also includes a 20-year Highway Improvement Plan which provides a realistic picture of the improvements that can be made using existing revenue sources.  Only $4 billion in revenue is anticipated over the next ten years.

     The public is invited to review and comment on the contents of the Needs Study and Improvement Plan.  It may be reviewed at any of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department’s (AHTD) District Offices, the Metropolitan Planning Organization Offices or the local Planning/Economic Development District Offices.  Copies are also available by mail by calling AHTD’s Policy Analysis Section at 501-569-2107.  The Draft Needs Study and Improvement Plan may be downloaded from the Internet at the AHTD website at www.arkansashighways.com. 

     All comments regarding the study should be submitted in writing to Mr. Scott Bennett, Assistant Chief Engineer-Planning, AHTD, P.O. Box 2261, Little Rock, AR  72203.  The email address is scott.bennett@arkansashighways.com. 

     Deadline for comments is August 18, 2006.