Federal funding has been approved for 28 counties in Arkansas to rebuild and repair roads and critical infrastructure damaged from heavy rains and floods in 2017. Among the counties in North Central Arkansas are Baxter, Izard, Marion, Boone and Newton.
U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) and U.S. Representatives Rick Crawford (AR-01) and Steve Womack (AR-03) announced Friday more than $48 million in federal funding was approved.
Over the last several years, Arkansas has experienced several rounds of adverse weather dramatically affecting many communities across the state. Governor Asa Hutchinson issued disaster declarations for 36 counties and two cities in May 2017 after severe weather conditions resulted in widespread damage to many areas. He had previously designated 17 counties as disaster areas in 2015 following severe storms, flooding and tornadoes.
Five organizations were awarded Department of Transportation grants to repair, reconstruct and rebuild roads and facilities in Arkansas. Those agencies and the amount of funding include the
Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department, $40 million; National Park Service, $41,490; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, $5 million; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, $715,226 and the U.S. Forest Service, $3.165 million.
Senator Boozman said, These funds are critical to assist in the rebuilding and construction of roadways damaged by abnormally high amounts of rainfall and other effects of severe weather. Restoring our transportation infrastructure and other related facilities comes at a tremendous cost to our communities. These grants will assist in decreasing the burden placed on local, county and state governments.
Senator Cotton said, “Last year’s flooding caused millions of dollars in damage to our state’s roads and bridges, and nearly a year later much repair work remains to be done. These grants will be vital to the recovery effort, and it’s good to see the people of Arkansas get the federal assistance they need.”
First District Congressman Crawford said, “As Arkansans recover from unprecedented flooding, this grant will ensure their communities can be restored. Grants like these not only help communities become functional again but help remove financial stress put on local government.”
Third District Congressman Womack said, “In recent years, Arkansas has been hit by a wave of severe weather and flooding events, and the northwest corner of the state I represent in Congress is no exception. These storms caused severe damage to federal-aid highways, roads on Federal lands and Federal Lands Management Agencies transportation facilities that still require repair. The funding from the Department of Transportation will be put to good use in the Natural State.
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