Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about the Connecting Arkansas Program
Below are some of the frequently asked questions about the Connecting Arkansas Program. If you have additional questions, you can contact the program by using the message fields at the bottom of the page, emailing Info@ConnectingArkansasProgram.com, or calling 501.255.1519.
The CAP will improve transportation connections throughout the state and increase capacity by widening Arkansas roadways to four or more lanes. These upgrades will ease congestion, improve traveler safety, invite economic development, and support job growth. Ballot Issue #1, the constitutional amendment approved by Arkansas voters in November 2012, also provides additional funds to your city and county to improve county and city roads.
The $1.8 billion CAP receives revenue from a temporary half-cent sales tax that will end after 10 years when the bonds are paid off. On November 6, 2012, Arkansas voters approved Ballot Issue #1 in the general election, a constitutional amendment that finances the widening of state highways that are needed and required funds to complete.
No. The temporary tax will last until 2023 and will be abolished when the 10-year bond issue is paid off.
The temporary tax is shared statewide by consumers and road users. Taxes are not raised on groceries, medicine, or gas.
Ballot Issue #1, the constitutional amendment approved by Arkansas voters in November 2012, establishes that approximately $700 million will be shared by every city, town, and county to repair county roads and fix city streets. A permanent State Aid Street Fund is also established, which allows cities and towns to apply for $20 million in additional funds. One penny from the per-gallon motor fuels tax is allocated to that fund.
Construction and maintenance work on state highways, county roads, and city streets is estimated to support more than 40,000 jobs. Modern four-lane highways and better roads and bridges also support economic development and make locations throughout Arkansas more desirable for companies to locate, expand, and conduct business.
Approximately 170 highway and interstate miles within 31 projects will be widened, constructed, and improved. A map of the projects is located here.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation looked at projects in regions across Arkansas. Determining factors included estimated construction schedules and cost; the need to widen two-lane highways to four-lane highways in vital corridors, and pre-construction work already completed.
