KUAR | By Josie Lenora
An effort by the Arkansas Department of Transportation to move unhoused people away from the sides of highways and interstates is getting a backlash. The American Civil Liberties Union argues the action is a violation of people's rights and is threatening to take legal action.
The department has given one week's notice to people on the state-owned property to clear out. Spokesperson Dave Parker says the decision was made after seeing homeless camps grow, which are inhibiting the ability of crews to mow grass and maintain the areas.
One area in southwest Little Rock, near the interchange of interstates 30 and 430, has become especially problematic, he said, because there are several homeless camps in the vicinity.
Michael Hibblen/KUAR News
The Arkansas Department of Transportation wants unhoused people who are camping along highways and interstates to get off of the property.