The I-49 Caucus is co-chaired by Arkansas Reps. Boozman and Ross; Reps. Roy Blunt and Karen McCarthy of Missouri; and Reps. Billy Tauzin and Chris John of Louisiana.

“Completion of I-49 from Fort Smith to Texarkana is vital to the economic growth of the region,” Boozman stated.  “This new bipartisan caucus will work to ensure that I-49 continues to the nation’s #1 high priority corridor by securing funding and support for the project from our colleagues in Congress.” 

“I am optimistic after this morning’s meeting,” Ross said.  “Having so many of our colleagues committed to completing I-49 shows the rest of Congress that we are serious about seeing this project through.   All that remains to be completed in Arkansas is a strip of interstate between Texarkana and Alma, and final completion of a 5-mile section from Doddridge to the LA line.  With Congressman Boozman and I co-chairing this bipartisan group of allies working to secure funding, I know we will get the job done.  Arkansas is one step closer to the new jobs, new business, and new growth that come with new roads.”

Efforts to move forward on the I-49 project through western Arkansas are continuing.  The interstate is currently completed north of Alma, Arkansas, and $101 million is now being spent to construct I-49 from Texarkana to Doddridge.  An estimated $1.6 billion is still needed to finish the Arkansas portion of I-49.  Boozman and Ross have pledged to work together in a bipartisan manner to ensure that Congress continues to make funding for I-49 a priority and co-chairing the caucus is a continuation of those efforts.