Notice to Media

Branscum Named Arkansas Highway Commission Chairman

LITTLE ROCK (9-22) – Herby Branscum, Jr. of Perryville assumed the Chairmanship of the five-person Arkansas State Highway Commission at the Commission’s September 22 meeting. Branscum had been serving as Vice-Chairman.

He replaces Bobby Hopper who stepped down from the Chairman’s spot at the same meeting. Hopper will remain on the Commission until his term expires in 1999. Hopper said that the upcoming Legislative session was a big factor in his decision to step down. "We need someone in this position who will still be on the Commission when the Legislature convenes in early 1999," Hopper said.

John "M" Lipton of Warren will take Branscum’s place as Vice-Chairman of the Commission.

Branscum, a native of Timbo in Stone County, was first appointed to the Commission in 1991 by then Governor Bill Clinton to replace Raymond Pritchett. Branscum’s term on the Commission expires in the year 2001. He is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas in Conway and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Law. Branscum has practiced law in Perryville and Little Rock since admission to the Arkansas State Bar in 1967.

Former Arkansas Governor Jim Guy Tucker appointed Lipton to a 10-year term in 1993. A native of Warren, Lipton graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. He served 12 consecutive terms in the Arkansas House of Representatives. He was sworn in as Speaker of the House when the 78^th Arkansas General Assembly convened in 1991. His term on the Commission expires in 2003.

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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: