Notice to Media

Highway Commission Responds to Report of Governor's Council

LITTLE ROCK (10-12) -- The Arkansas State Highway Commission is pleased that the Governor’s Citizens Council on Highways and Transportation has confirmed the Highway Commission’s previous assessment that significant unfunded needs exist on the state’s highway system, according to Herby Branscum, Jr., Highway Commission Chairman.

"It appears that the Governor’s study group reached many of the same conclusions previously documented by the Highway Commission," Branscum said. "As we have stated, innovative, non-traditional financing methods must be explored.

"The Highway Commission has been looking into a new funding program which provides for issuing bonds backed by future federal aid," Branscum continued. "Last month, the Commission requested an Attorney General’s opinion regarding the use of this program in Arkansas. As we look at the use of federal aid to leverage funds for meeting the needs on our highway system, we will need to consider the effect this will have on the flexibility for the future use of these funds."

In meetings held around the state by the Highway Commission earlier this year, additional truck fees were mentioned by the public more than any other revenue source for funding highway improvements. Branscum noted that the Governor’s group appears to have taken the first step toward addressing the public’s concern by advocating some additional revenue from the trucking industry.

Branscum stated that, "The Highway Commission will continue to seek ways to improve our state’s transportation system which must have the support of the people, the General Assembly, and the Governor."

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