Lincoln, Pryor and Berry Announce $2.2 Million in Funding for I-555 Corridor
Washington – U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor along with U.S. Representative Marion Berry (AR-01) today announced that the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department will receive $2.2 million in funding to construct a parallel access road along future Interstate 555 from Payneway to Marked Tree in Poinsett County. The funding was included in the FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act which was signed into law on March 11, 2009. The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the award today.
“This access road will improve safety along future Interstate 555,” said Lincoln. “I am pleased to see this effort get underway, and I look forward to working with communities in Northeast Arkansas to complete this project.”
“Investing in highways and infrastructure is one of the most important investments we can make to attract and grow businesses in Northeast Arkansas,” said Pryor. “This federal funding for the I-555 corridor is a win-win for reducing traffic congestion, lost productivity and gas consumption.”
“Investments in infrastructure are the most effective method to spark our stalled economy – especially in our rural areas,” said Berry. “This funding will bring the designation of U.S. 63 as Interstate 555 closer to reality, making Northeast Arkansas an even more attractive location for business and industry and providing efficient access to jobs, services and centers of trade.”
The access road will provide an artery for agricultural vehicles and local transportation over the St. Francis Floodway once the interstate is officially designated. Since certain large equipment vehicles are prohibited from traveling on interstates, farmers and other drivers would be required to take lengthy detours on smaller state highways, impacting efficient movement of goods and the safety of other travelers.
