The Right Direction (OPINION)

In Northwest Arkansas, for all the great achievements that receive so much of the focus, one glaring drawback is the road infrastructure.

In recent decades, this corner of the state has seen a population boom rarely seen in an area with such limited connectivity.

The Northwest Arkansas Council notes the region is directly connected to only one other metro area in the country (Fort Smith) by a four-lane interstate.

Interstate 49, renamed recently from Interstate 540, opened in January 1999 and has been a boon. Many credit the freeway spur off of Interstate 40 with being largely responsible for urbanizing this corner of the state.

Further improvements have always been at the top of the check list for many of the region’s planning groups.

What’s been missing from the discussion, though, has been the funding component.

Investing in interstate construction and repair projects are largely the most expensive projects to undertake, so investments must be made wisely.

But on April 16, state leaders gathered in Little Rock to officially kick off the detailed plan to use nearly $2 billion to improve Arkansas roadways. Approximately 200 highway and interstate miles within 31 projects will be widened, constructed or improved.

As it relates to our area, this is the definition of a wise investment. The road program includes some key projects in Northwest Arkansas, not to mention the widening of Interstate 49 to six lanes from Fayetteville to Bentonville.

First and foremost, congratulations to the taxpayers who made it possible by approving a 10-year, half-cent sales tax increase in November 2012. That went into effect in July, and that money is financing the road program.

Can you imagine Northwest Arkansas’ infrastructure without Interstate 49? It’s become a defining part of our infrastructure, and we should be thankful to the predecessors who got that done.

Likewise, be appreciative of today’s local and state leaders who realize the importance of further investment in road infrastructure.

Direction, dedicated funding sources and a regional authority continue to help push the progress in Northwest Arkansas.

Without those things, we’d be stuck in the mud.