Gov. Beebe names new Highway Commission member (updated)

Gov. Mike Beebe said Tuesday he intends to appoint Dick Trammel of Rogers to the Arkansas Highway Commission in January when the term of Jonathan Barnett expires.

Barnett, a Siloam Springs businessman who completes his 10-year term Jan. 14, has said he might resign early to prepare for his newly elected role as a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives.

“Dick Trammel has a love and enthusiasm for Arkansas that is hard to match,” Beebe said in a press statement. “He gives tirelessly of himself to a multitude of professional and philanthropic organizations in Northwest Arkansas, and I have no doubt that he will bring the same dedication and wisdom to the Highway Commission.”

Trammel, 71, graduated from the University of Arkansas and has worked for the First National Bank of Rogers and Arvest Bank for more than 30 years, currently as executive vice-president and secretary of the board at Arvest.

Trammel’s term expires January 2019.

Update info: The governor’s office does not disclose information about other nominees for appointed posts. The City Wire had hoped to learn if anyone from the Fort Smith area was considered for the plum post of an Arkansas Highway Commissioner.