Bryant voters approve bond issue for city improvements

Bryant voters on Tuesday (Aug. 9) approved a three-year extension of an existing 0.5% sales tax for a $23 million bond issue and voted for three improvement projects that it will fund.

The bond issue pays for most of three improvements. Voters approved up to $15.7 million for the construction of the new Bryant Parkway connecting Highway 5 to Highway 183. That project is meant to relieve congestion on Reynolds Road, the town’s main roadway. Voters also approved up to $5.5 million to construct two new fire stations.

They also approved up to $4.5 million to enhance The Center at Bishop Park community center, to upgrade existing sports fields and to construct a new city park north of I-30.

The bond issue refinances bonds that were passed in 2006. That issue was expected to reach maturity in 2031 and instead will reach maturity in 2019. As a result of the passage, the bonds are expected to be paid by 2034.

The four questions all passed easily with between 69% and 75% support. Turnout was 12%.