Notice to Media

Arkansas Highway Commission to Hold Series of Public Meetings

November 6, 1997 -- The members of the Arkansas State Highway Commission will soon begin holding a series of public meetings around the state, according to Commission Chairman Bobby Hopper of Springdale.

"The purpose of the meetings will be to inform the general public of the needs on our state’s highways and to gather their input on how best to address those needs," Hopper stated. The Commission plans to hold at least one meeting in each of its ten highway districts.

Highway Commissioner John Lipton of Warren presented the idea to the other Commissioners who voted unanimously to support the measure. "In my opinion, it’s our Constitutional duty to identify and assess these needs and to bring them to the public’s attention. There are many misconceptions out there regarding the actual condition of our highways and the methods we have available to improve those conditions," Lipton said.

Lipton cited the recently released Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) report entitled Arkansas Highway Profile, Condition and Needs as having an abundance of information that the people of Arkansas should have knowledge of. "The report includes historical, current, and projected data. It’s very comprehensive."

"The key to the success of these meetings will be the involvement of the general public." Lipton said. "The Commission also would welcome the participation of any interested group at these meetings."

Representatives from the Arkansas Good Roads/Transportation Council and the Governor’s Citizen’s Council on Highways were in attendance when the Commission voted to hold the meetings

Information regarding specific dates, times, and locations for the meetings will be made available in the near future.

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