Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Highway Commissioner Robert Moore In Warren


Arkansas Highway Commissioner Robert Moore, from Arkansas City, was in Warren Monday July 28th to address the board of the Bradley County Economic Development Commission. Mr. Moore is a former state legislator, former speaker of the House who was appointed to the Highway Commission by Governor Beebe.  He has an extensive background in state government.

During his presentation the Commissioner provided information on the state of Arkansas highways and the limits on state funding to improve and expand highways.  He told the board that travel is up but fuel consumption is down due to more efficient vehicles. This is resulting in more needs but less money since highway construction is financed almost exclusively by fuel taxes.  Mr. Moore stated that there is a need for an additional $200,000,000.00 just to maintain our highways in Arkansas.  The need for new and expanded roads runs in the billions.  According to the Commissioner proposed I-69 will cost around $30 billion.  Arkansas' share for the portion that runs through the State is about $910 million.(See more of this story below the advertisement)





The Highway Commissioner took time to respond to several questions about major projects and some maintenance issues.  Sam Fullerton voiced his thoughts that the I-530 connector running from Pine Bluff to just east of Wilmar should be completed and extended to I-20 in Louisiana.  Mr. Moore stated that would be great but very unlikely based on available funding.  He stated funds are not in place to construct I-69 and the bridge over the Mississippi River at this time.

Deon Wolfe, a highway and bridge contractor made comments about needs in south Arkansas.  Dr. Robert Smalling stressed the need to not forget about our railroads and the importance of rail to industrial development.  Several others in attendance made comments and asked questions.

Other than approving the minutes and reviewing the financial statement, there was no further business conducted.

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