ARKANSAS ONE OF FIRST STATES TO CERTIFY USE OF STIMULUS FUNDS FOR HIGHWAY WORK LITTLE ROCK (3-4) The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) has provided written certification to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that it is ready to begin spending federal stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for roadway improvements in the state, according to AHTD Director Dan Flowers.
“Two things must occur before a state can begin spending the stimulus
funds,” Flowers said. “First, written certification must be provided to the
FHWA stating that projects to be funded from the ARRA have been reviewed and
vetted, and that they are an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars.
I’m pleased that
“Second, the FHWA must apportion the money to the states,” Flowers
continued. “We received notice on Tuesday, March 3, that Arkansas has been
apportioned its $351 million in stimulus funding for highways, and we have
obligated about $24 million that will allow us to advertise and take bids on 27
stimulus-funded highway rehabilitation projects at the Highway Commission’s
April 8th bid letting.” The 27 stimulus projects will be in
addition to 21 other roadway and bridge projects being prepared for the April
letting, Flowers noted.
“We’ve said all along that once we received specific instructions
from the FHWA, we would be ready to go,” Flowers added. “The Highway
Commission and the AHTD staff have worked closely with Governor Beebe, his
staff, and the FHWA to make sure that all the proper steps have been taken, that
all the appropriate blanks have been filled in, and that all deadlines are met.
It has been, and will continue to be, a cooperative effort.”
Approximately $123 million of
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