If North Central Arkansas is going to continue to grow, U.S. Highway 412 must be improved from border to border across the state. That is the message of the North Arkansas East West Corridor Association, reinforced by the results of a University of Arkansas at Little Rock economic impact study unveiled at a conference in Mountain Home last week.
Gilbert Losurdo, Managing Director of the Corridor Association, tells KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot news in the final installment of a two-part report his organization is advocating closing the loop between the improvements made in the northern corners of the state.
Listen:
Losurdo was among those pushing for improvements to Highway 412 in the late 1980s. He says about 2000 funding ran out, and the improvement initiative stopped.
He says making the improvements is needed more than just as an economic development tool.
Listen:
Losurdo says his group has spent about 20 months completing the first two steps in its plan.
Listen:
Meanwhile, it’s still a watch and see situation with the federal government that has traditionally provided 80 percent of highway funding. Losurdo says a suggested federal infrastructure bill was developed.
Listen:
Losurdo says hopefully by September the North Arkansas East West Corridor Association will have a better feel for the federal infrastructure bill.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI