by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

Bipartisan work in the U.S. Congress above divisive politics and a broader appreciation for the national importance of Interstate 49 through western Arkansas are needed to deliver more funding for I-49 and other infrastructure projects in the state.

Such was part of the message from U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, and Arkansas Highway Commissioner Keith Gibson. The two were in Fort Smith Thursday (Oct. 3) for a meeting of transportation committees of the Arkansas House of Representatives and the Arkansas Senate. The committees met jointly at the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education Research Institute.

During a morning meeting, the legislators heard from the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) about ongoing efforts to build I-49 in the Fort Smith metro and other parts of western Arkansas.

I-49, infrastructure funding focus of Arkansas legislative committee meeting

Washington, DC—July 19, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Subcommittee, authored, secured, and voted to pass funding for Third District priorities within the Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations bills, all of which have advanced out of the committee as of last week.

Congressman Womack said, “Arkansans sent me to Congress to deliver results that will have real impacts on their daily lives. Whether the project focuses on improving infrastructure in Northwest Arkansas, preparing Fort Smith for the FMS mission, or supporting our hardworking firefighters' efforts to keep us safe, I want to ensure the needs of our growing region are met. Securing wins to improve the quality of life for Third District Arkansans remains my priority on the House Appropriations Committee.”

Below are the FY25 Appropriations bills that contain direct wins for Arkansas’ Third District with details about each provision’s impacts.

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

Arkansas Highway 112 – $6 million

This project will fund the construction of safety, operational and congestion improvements on various segments of Highway 112 from Bentonville to Fayetteville. These improvements will include major widening, raised medians, pedestrian improvements, traffic signal upgrades, and roundabouts.

Benton County Water System Improvements – $1.75 million

This project will upgrade the current water system to a loop system and provide newer, larger pipes that can keep up with the water demand of the growing area.

Construction of Future Interstate 49 – $3 million

This project will fund the construction of a segment of future Interstate 49 and provide congestion relief for the cities of Fort Smith and Van Buren.

Farmington Bridge Repairs – $6.5 million

This project will provide funds to replace two functionally obsolete bridges that are located on Double Springs Road in Farmington, Arkansas.

Huntsville Water System Improvements – $3 million

This project will provide upgrades to the Huntsville water system, including building a water tower and upgrading the sewer lines and plant.

Mulberry Food Pantry – $500,000

This project will provide funds to the City of Mulberry to update the Community Food Pantry to increase its capacity and comply with the American Disabilities Act.

Northeastern Benton County Fire Station Improvements – $1.25 million

This project will provide funds for facility construction and upgrades, including structure material, heating and air, a new water line and additional equipment, including a new fire truck.

North Central Crawford County Water Systems Improvements – $4.4 million

This project will provide funds for a water system extension to serve approximately 350 users in North Central Crawford County who currently do not have access to a potable water supply.

Springdale Northern Bypass – $59 million

This funding will help complete the U.S. Highway 412 Springdale Northern Bypass by constructing a four-lane, divided highway with fully controlled access built to interstate standards.

Towson Avenue Improvements – $12.5 million

This project will provide funds to improve Highway 71B/Towson Ave. in Fort Smith by enhancing pedestrian accommodations and improving drainage.

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies

Ebbing Air National Guard Academic Training Center – $70 million

The funding would be used to construct a F-35 Academic Training Center and Liquid Oxygen Supply Storage facility for the Foreign Military Sales F-35 program’s Pilot Training Center. The facility will provide spaces for training classrooms, flight simulator spaces, conference rooms, and administrative support spaces for the F-35 FMS Pilot Training Center mission.

Defense

Ebbing Air National Guard Base Foreign Military Sales Mission – $36.743 million

This funding will support continued infrastructure investments required to stand up the Foreign Military Sales mission at Ebbing Air National Guard Base.

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration

Berryville Hospital MRI –$1.376 million

This funding will go toward equipment for an MRI unit for Berryville Hospital.

Pea Ridge Fire Station – $2.75 million

This funding will go toward the construction of a new fire station for the City of Pea Ridge’s Fire Department, which will provide increased fire and EMS capacity.

Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

Elkins Water System Improvements – $3.75 million

This project will provide upgrades to the current water systems and help provide ratepayer relief.

Springdale Water System Improvements – $3 million

This project will provide funds to expand sewer infrastructure over very difficult and challenging terrain to the eastern border of Springdale.

Read about each of the FY25 Appropriations bills here.

I-49, infrastructure funding focus of Arkansas legislative committee meeting

State of the State Mid-Year 2024: ‘Freight recession’ continues for trucking industry

ICYMI: Womack secures numerous Third District wins in FY25 appropriations bills