Arkansas Gov. Signs Bill That Ensures FAST Act Funding Match
After overwhelming votes in favor by the Arkansas House and Senate, Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed a bill on May 23 that boosts state funding for roads and bridges by $50 million to qualify for $200 million in federal funds from the FAST Act.
The House approved the bill 75-15 on May 21, the second day of a three-day special session. The Senate followed suit by voting 21-10 on May 23 before each chamber adjourned for the year.
“It’s a unique solution for a unique challenge that we had in this state,” Hutchinson said as he signed the bill, which used a mix of budget surplus, rainy day and general revenue state funds to reach the $50 million threshold. “The Legislature … met that challenge and came out with a result that did not raise taxes but [still] resulted in a $1 billion highway program over five years.”
