Arkansas Group Goes on Air With Anti-Toll Campaign

Hoping to build public opposition against tolls along three interstate highways, the Arkansas Motor Carrier Association last week launched a double-edged advertising campaign.

The trucking-backed Citizens for Safe and Efficient Highways kicked off a six-week radio campaign on Jan. 11 that urges residents to oppose plans being developed by the state’s Highway Commission to impose charges for using three interstate highways.

“The message is that interstate motorists are paying more than sufficient taxes to maintain our state’s interstate highways had the state chosen to use tax dollars for that purpose,” said Lane Kidd, president of the organization.

The $12,000 advertising campaign is being paid for by the coalition, whose members include the state’s motor carrier organization, American Trucking Associations and the American Highway Users Alliance.

Mr. Kidd said he hopes the ads will persuade the Highway Commission to seek legislative approval of its proposal for tolls along Interstates 30, 40 and 55. The board plans to review the issue in February and to decide on submitting an application to the Federal Highway Administration.

Arkansas is the only state so far to express interest in applying for FHWA permission to charge fees along the Interstates to pay for highway maintenance. States face a March 31 deadline to submit an application.

Speaking to the Legislature on Jan. 11, U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater said he expects several states, especially ones in the Northeast with existing tolls on Interstates, to apply.

he coalition’s ads were timed to coincide with the start of the 1999 session of the state Legislature. AMCA is seeking hearings on the toll plan.

For the full story, see the Jan. 25 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.