Hutchinson Announces New Highway Program; No New Taxes

At a news conference at the Capitol today, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced his recommendation for a new highway program for the state.

The governor’s recommendation provides a state investment of approximately $750 million to the Highway Department over the next 10 years — based off of the previous 10 year history — without raising taxes or introducing any new taxes to Arkansans.

A breakdown of the proposal can be found here.

This state match allows Arkansas to access over $2 billion in federal highway money over the next 10 years.

“In addition to a state investment of more than three-quarters of a billion dollars over 10 years, this new program allows us to access billions of dollars in federal highway money, without raising taxes,” Hutchinson said in a statement. “Highway infrastructure is key to our state’s economic development and growth, and this plan should act as a catalyst for that growth by allowing us to increase our investment in highways without placing an unnecessary burden on Arkansas taxpayers. I am pleased to say that it accomplishes both objectives.”

Hutchinson said he would also ask the Arkansas Highway Department and Commission to be responsive to increased legislative oversight in light of the transfer of general revenues to the Highway program. 

“It is important that the Highway Commission initiate internal reform which assures the public that taxpayer dollars are being wisely, efficiently and fairly spent.”