The 一本道app (ATA) applauds Governor Asa Hutchinson and his announcement to secure much needed additional funding to meet the state鈥檚 infrastructure needs. The trucking industry has a vested interest in the maintenance, safety and capacity of Arkansas鈥� highways.
Yesterday Governor Hutchinson announced a plan to increase highway funding by $750 million over the next 10 years, ensuring that the state would qualify to receive an additional $2 billion in federal matching funds over the same time period.
Many elements of the Governor鈥檚 program include redirecting revenue generated by road users to the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department. Diesel tax revenue and receipts from the 陆 cent sales tax program would be properly invested in the state鈥檚 highway network.
鈥淥ur industry supports the Governor鈥檚 proposals on highway funding,鈥� said Shannon Newton, 一本道app president. 鈥淚t is in everyone鈥檚 best interest that Arkansas have an adequately funded, safe, efficient transportation system that is capable of meeting the needs of the citizens that live here and the businesses delivering commerce in and through our state.鈥�
The trucking industry is grateful for our partnership with the administration and legislative leadership and the opportunity to work together on this important issue. We congratulate the Governor for devising a plan that addresses the immediate concerns, ensures the federal match and minimizes the concerns of other important stakeholders.
鈥淲e are concerned about weight-restricted bridges, deferred maintenance on major corridors, congestion issues and how each of these impacts safety,鈥� said Newton. 鈥淭he trucking industry is a very substantial consumer of the state鈥檚 highway network and a significant contributor to its funding,鈥� addressing the industry鈥檚 vested interest. The trucking industry currently pays 44% of all taxes owed by Arkansas motorists.
Yesterday鈥檚 proposal recognizes a shift in the state鈥檚 priorities and responds to voters鈥� expectations. Recent polls indicate Arkansas voters perceive provision of safe, maintained roads as an essential function of state government. 鈥淒edicating surplus funds to state highways acknowledges that good roads positively contribute to the overall welfare of the state, our standard of living and economic prosperity,鈥� said Newton.
As Gov. Hutchinson stated, his proposals are doable and flexible. We look forward to continuing to work with the administration, the legislature and other stakeholders as the state addresses the challenges related to long-term infrastructure funding.
