Among the funding included in this bill are $7 million for construction of Interstate 49 along Highway 71 south of Texarkana, $4 million for the extension of Interstate 530 south of Pine Bluff to connect with the planned Interstate 69, and $7.5 million to build the I-69 Great River Bridge over the Mississippi River near Arkansas City. 

I am pleased that we were able to secure the funds necessary to advance these highway projects, which are vital to the future economy of South Arkansas as well as our nation’s infrastructure needs.  This funding will not only help bring better roads to the Fourth District, but more importantly, provide jobs and opportunity to our area. 

I am also pleased that the bill continues full funding for the Essential Air Service program, which will allow the airport in Hot Springs to continue to receive needed support from this important program.  Earlier this year, the Administration proposed tightening requirements for the EAS program, which would have eliminated support for certain smaller airports including the airport in Hot Springs.  

With the Senate expected to pass this measure early next week, I look forward to the President signing this important transportation funding into law very soon.