In the News

The House and Senate on Thursday approved and sent to the president a five-year funding bill for the nation’s transportation infrastructure that also would revive the Export-Import Bank.

The $305 billion measure, negotiated by a House and Senate conference committee, passed 359-65 in the House and 83-16 in the Senate. Every member of Arkansas’ congressional delegation voted for the bill except Republican Sen. Tom Cotton, who voted no.

The bill includes various funding sources, including a transfer from the Federal Reserve’s surplus funds and an increase in customs fees. It does not raise the federal gasoline tax.

It also would restore the Export-Import Bank’s charter, which expired June 30. The 65 “no”votes” all came from Republicans, including some who oppose the bank’s revival.

“Passage of a long-term highway and transportation bill is good for Arkansas and good for America,” Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Hot Springs, said in a statement after voting for the bill. “This bill allows local governments to properly plan highway construction and improvement projects. This bill is a benefit to the citizens of Arkansas and our state’s economy.”

Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro, who served on the conference committee, said he was particularly pleased to have included in the bill an agricultural vehicle exemption for the floodway section of U.S. 63. The Arkansas state Highway Commission voted Wednesday to designate 44 miles of the highway as Interstate 555 if the exemption is approved by Congress.

“For years, Northeast Arkansas has sought interstate status for U.S. 63, but our state has been unable to bear the $30-$50 million expense needed to build an access road for agricultural vehicles across the St. Francis floodway,” Crawford said. “My amendment allows for the interstate designation to move forward while at the same time allowing for traditional use of the floodway bridge.”

Crawford added, “Our office has been in talks with (the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department) about adding safety features which are long overdue, especially since the road has already been operating like an interstate for around 15 years.”

Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, said, “This March, Arkansas was forced to shut down 56 planned construction projects across the state because Congress had not given the long-term certainty necessary for our states to adequately plan for the needs of our nation’s transportation infrastructure. That’s unacceptable.

“While I am disappointed by some of the pay-fors found to get there, I am nevertheless encouraged that the House and Senate were able to work together to bring this five-year, fully-funded surface transportation reauthorization to fruition and put it on the president’s desk.”

Rep. French Hill, R-Little Rock, said, “This conference report is far from perfect, and some of the provisions had no business being a part of a discussion about highways. But in the end, it accomplishes what the people of Arkansas and America need and expect for long-term infrastructure planning. This will be the first time since the George W. Bush Administration that we will have a highway funding bill that gives us the flexibility to fund and finish our most crucial infrastructure projects without burdening hardworking American taxpayers.”

Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., said after voting for the bill, “Hundreds of Arkansas projects were at risk of cancellation or further delays if a long-term bill was not passed. Each year, Arkansas produces over $80 billion goods and products that depend on our highways for delivery to customers, so it is vital that this money is returned to our state to improve our infrastructure.”