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COMMUNITY

“Interstate 49 has been a major
driver of economic growth in
Arkansas, and continuing toward
the completion of this project will
only expand on that success,” said
Governor Sarah Sanders. “There is no
better time to get this project done.
Leadership in our Congressional
delegation partnered with state
leaders to work smoothly through
the entire funding process.”
Jared Wiley, ARDOT’s Director
for the region, said much of the road
base work on both sides of the river
had been built up in recent months.
“This will be the first of several more
steps needed to complete the 154
miles remaining to connect I-49
through the state of Arkansas,” he
stated.
“Transportation is critical to
continue strong economic growth
for this region,” said District 3
Congressman, Steve Womack. “And
in this project, the steel being used is
Arkansas steel, and the concrete will
also be from within the state.” ARDOT Regional Director Jared Wiley speaks to attendees at the groundbreaking for the
District 4 Congressman, Bruce I-49 Arkansas River bridge. Photo by John Speck.
Westerman, added “the permitting
process for projects like this needs to Wiley also mentioned that area be using federal matching funds to
be streamlined to grow our economy. residents will notice additional start that work in the near future,”
There are too many barriers in place surveying work starting along the he claimed. “Visible progress adds
that slow things down that are critical route from Greenwood to Y City over to the momentum for support of this
to keep things moving along.” the next 12 to 18 months. “We’ll important project.”

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