by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) received a $43.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation Bridge Investment Program for rehabilitation of the U.S. Highway 49 Mississippi River Bridge between Helena-West Helena, Ark., and Lula, Miss.

This project is a collaborative effort between ARDOT, the lead grant applicant, and the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), a co-applicant, for the rehabilitation of the Helena Bridge.

The Helena Bridge is a critical Mississippi River crossing of local, national, and international importance. This Mississippi River crossing is nearly one mile long and is currently rated as being in “poor” condition.

ARDOT receives $43.9 million grant for Helena Bridge

From the Arkansas Advocate:

Helena-West Helena Mayor Christopher Franklin refused to resign Tuesday night after the City Council voted 6-0 to ask that he step down.

The resolution came in response to a profanity-laden video call between the mayor, his adult daughter and his adult niece that went viral online last week.

The Helena World reported that Franklin abruptly adjourned the council meeting after the vote despite a lengthy agenda. The entire episode took seven minutes, from the reading of the resolution to Franklin’s departure from the council meeting room, the newspaper reported online Tuesday night.

Arkansas city’s mayor refuses to resign after council asks him to step down