Notice to Media

Highway Commission Releases Report on Highway Needs

August 28, 1997 -- The Arkansas Highway Commission has released its latest assessment of the condition of our State Highway System. The report, entitled "Arkansas Highway Profile, Condition and Needs," was compiled by the staff of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) to provide a comprehensive view of the state’s highway needs.

"There has been much discussion in recent months about the needs of our state’s roads and possible ways to address those needs," reported AHTD Director Dan Flowers. "This document provides a historical profile, an assessment of our current conditions, and a preview of our anticipated needs for the next decade, along with an analysis of current and potential funding sources.

"This document also gives the reader an idea of how our highway needs have escalated over the years and how often those needs have been assessed by the Highway Commission," Flowers continued. "It’s very interesting to see how consistent and conscientious the Highway Commissions have been over the years. It’s also obvious that the Highway Commission cannot act alone to raise revenues."

The report lists over 300 pieces of federal and state legislation that have been enacted this century dealing with highway issues. The report also identifies nearly 500 studies dating back to the 1950’s that have been conducted, mostly by the AHTD, which deal with conditions, needs, or revenues for Arkansas’ surface transportation network.

Flowers noted that the document "contains existing information from various databases that has been collected and assembled into this single, comprehensive document."

For Further Information Contact:

Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department
10324 Interstate 30, Little Rock, AR 72209
Tel: 501-569-2000
FAX: 501-569-2400
e-mail: info@arkansashighways.com