Overview
The CAP is one of the largest highway construction programs ever undertaken by the Arkansas Department of Transportation
The Connecting Arkansas Program (CAP) is one of the largest highway construction programs ever undertaken by the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT). In 2012, through a voter-approved constitutional amendment, the people of Arkansas passed a 10-year, half-cent sales tax to improve the state’s intermodal transportation system, including projects that widen and improve approximately 170 miles of highways and interstates. A map of the 31 projects that comprise the $1.8 billion program is located on the Corridors page.
The Connecting Arkansas Program:
- Improves transportation connections between cities throughout the state
- Increases capacity by widening highways to move people and goods more efficiently
- Provides a revenue source for new highway projects
- Accelerates the completion of highway improvement projects
- Improves traveler safety
- Eases congestion
- Supports job growth and improves Arkansas’ economy
CAP History
In 2009, the 87th Arkansas General Assembly (AGA) passed Act 374 to create the Blue Ribbon Committee on Highway Finance. The committee was tasked with determining an equitable and adequate system to properly finance transportation improvements in Arkansas and to propose and recommend highway finance legislation for the 2011 session.
The constitutional amendment to levy a temporary sales-and-use tax was included on the 2012 Arkansas statewide general election ballot after a bipartisan vote in the 88th AGA.
During the November 2012 elections, Arkansans voted to approve Ballot Issue No. 1, a constitutional amendment to provide additional funding for highways, county roads, city streets, bridges, and surface transportation. The sales tax was approved by 58 percent of voters.
With passage of Issue No. 1, the state sales tax temporarily increases to 6.5 cents for 10 years, effective July 1, 2013.
The design and construction of highway and interstate widening projects will be funded with the estimated $1.8 billion anticipated to accrue from 70% of the tax revenue. The remaining 30% of the tax revenue will be turned back to local governments for road and street projects – 15% each for cities and counties.
- February 2011 – The proposed sales tax increase measure is filed with the Arkansas House of Representatives. The measure is referred to the Committee on House Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs.
- March 2011 – The measure is returned by the committee “Do Pass.” The measure is read and adopted by the House and transmitted to the Arkansas Senate. The resolution is read and concurred in the Senate.
- April 2011 – Governor Mike Beebe approves House Joint Resolution 1001.
- November 2012 – The constitutional amendment is approved by Arkansas voters.
- July 2013 – Half-cent sales tax takes effect.
