Arkansas Voters Approve $575 Million for Highways

Arkansas voters on Tuesday overwhelmingly renewed a $575 million bond program to repair more than 400 miles of interstate highways, the Associated Press reported.

With results from 71 of the state’s 75 counties, the plan led by an 81% to 19% vote, and the package would not raise or lower taxes regardless of how the vote went, AP said.

Under the measure, 4 cents of the state's 22.5-cent diesel tax remain dedicated toward paying off the highway debt. Also, future federal transportation dollars will help pay off the state's debt.

Arkansas highway officials said the state’s roads need $23 billion worth of work, but that only $4 billion in funding is available, AP reported.