Supporters, Opponents Gearing Up For Highway Bond Election

A Nov. 8 special election to potentially renew the state’s GARVEE bond highway program is only about 3 weeks away. You haven’t seen a lot of high-profile attention on either side of the issue, but several activities are in the works.

If approved, the bond issue would allow the state to authorize $575 million in bonds for interstate maintenance and repairs. The revenue stream to pay back the bonds would come from GARVEE revenue and an existing four-cent diesel fuel tax. GARVEE stands for "Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle," a pledge of future funds from the federal government for Arkansas highways.

The program is expected to reconstruct nearly 300 miles of Arkansas’ interstates and employ up to 28,000 workers in jobs related to highway construction.

Supporters have been conducting a "grass-tops" program, reaching out to civic clubs and leadership groups across the state to influence public opinion. At the bottom of this post, you can view a video that has been circulated at public forums.

The latest campaign report from Move Arkansas Forward — the legislative question committee that supports the measure — indicates the last couple of weeks may be packed with a modest TV or radio advertising punch. As of Sept. 30, the group had raised more than $260,817 with $233,221 cash on hand.

Opponents have been quietly working their grassroots connections.

An e-mail circulated by a Secure Arkansas member complains about the interest being paid on the bonds and debt risk associated with the $575 million program.

The e-mail also lists the following groups as opponents of the GARVEE bond deal: Washington County Tea Party, Pulaski County Tea Party, The River Valley Tea Party, Boone County Tea Party, Little River Patriots, Americans for Constitutional Government, Northeast Arkansas Tea Party and the Miller County Patriots.