By Rob Moritz
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK – A state panel created to find a new funding source for state highway improvements hired a public relations firm today to assist in organizing a series of public meetings.
Under a $50,000 contract that runs through July 1, Craig Douglass Communications of Little Rock will help the Arkansas Blue Ribbon Committee on Highway Finance organize and gather information during four public meetings scheduled for late May in each of the state’s four congressional districts.
The contract gives the committee the option of retaining the firm’s services after July 1 for $5,250 per month.
House Speaker Robbie Wills, D-Conway, hired Douglas’ firm last year to transition the chamber’s information office into the House Communications Office.
The highway committee Wednesday tentative scheduled public meetings for May 19 in Jonesboro, May 21 in North Little Rock, May 26 in Fort Smith and May 27 in either El Dorado or Hot Springs. The panel will review the results at a June 1 meeting at the state Capitol.
“To me this is one of the most important things that future Legislatures are taking on,” said Sen. John Paul Capps, D-Search, chairman of the panel, about finding a way to meet the state’s highway needs, estimated by highway officials at more than $10 billion.
“In Northwest Arkansas this is a big issue,” said Rep. Jon Woods, R-Springdale. “I would say it’s in the top three for sure.”
Members of the 19-member committee have been meeting for nearly a year and have already discussed a variety of funding options, including shifting general revenue to the state highway department, toll roads, a hike in the state fuel tax and using taxes collected on Internet sales.
Currently, much of the highway funding already comes from a tax on gasoline and diesel.
The committee must submit its initial report and recommendations to the governor and Legislature by July 1.
During Wednesday’s meeting, Douglass told the committee that he plans to organize the four meetings so the general public, along with interested stakeholders, such as public schools, the transportation industry and community and civic groups can all attend and participate.
Making sure they understand the problem and getting their input and suggestions will be vital to any report the panel presents on July 1, he said, adding that the meetings also will be streamed live on the Internet.
A DVD describing the state’s highway needs and inability to sufficiently pay for them will also be created and made available to the panel, civic groups and others, Douglass said.
