LITTLE ROCK (3-6)  The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) will hold Location Public Hearings in Sherwood to discuss plans for the North Belt Freeway Project, according to AHTD officials.

     The first meeting will be held Tuesday, March 20, 2007, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Brockington Road Church of the Nazarene, 9860 Brockington Road, in Sherwood.

     A second meeting will be held Wednesday, March 21, 2007, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cato Elementary School, 9906 Jacksonville Cato Road, in Sherwood.

     The AHTD has identified a preferred route for the North Belt Project based upon review of the impacts outlined in the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement, consultation with other agencies including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and consideration of public comments collected throughout the environmental review process.

     The public is invited to visit anytime during the scheduled hours to view displays, ask questions and offer comments.  For more information, contact the AHTD Environmental Division at 501-569-2281.