The US House and Senate are expected to send a new federal highway bill to President Barack Obama this week. The new highway bill is a five-year bill that is worth $2.5 billion. Arkansas is expected to receive 224-million-dollars in additional funds over the 5 year period, which will help the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department finish existing projects, and start awarding contracts on future highway projects. Included in the bill is exemption language for agricultural vehicles that will make US-highway 63 the new I-555. Once President Obama signs the highway bill into law, the state Highway Commission would then approve the designation and I-555 would become reality. That designation is expected to take place next year. US Representative Rick Crawford’s office says the designation will have a positive economic impact on the region and will help bring new industry and jobs to the communities that are located on the highway, as well as many surrounding communities in northeast Arkansas. The highway bill is expected to sail to the President’s desk with no problems.
Federal Highway Bill to be signed this week by President Obama
