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Press Releases

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Subcommittee, secured funding for Arkansas priorities in the six appropriations bills the president signed into law last week.

Here are examples of how investments delivered by the senator will help Arkansas: 

Arkansas Department of Transportation: ARDOT will improve transportation infrastructure across the state. It will receive $67 million for the construction of I-49 near Fort Smith, $5 million for improvements to the Highway 82 corridor, $6 million for the construction of a portion of Future I-57 and $8 million for improvements on the Highway 412 corridor.

“We are very grateful for the additional federal funds that Senator Boozman has secured for several important corridors in Arkansas that include Future I-49, Future I-57; US Highway 412; and US Highway 82. This funding will expedite construction on projects all across Arkansas that will improve mobility and enhance economic potential. The Department and the Highway Commission sincerely appreciate the senator’s support of Arkansas’s transportation system and his efforts to provide much needed funding for these improvements.” – ARDOT Director Lorie Tudor

City of Fort Smith: The city will receive $12 million for water transmission and $2.5 million for upgraded traffic infrastructure to improve security access at Ebbing Air National Guard Base.

Additionally, as Ranking Member of the MilCon-VA Subcommittee, Boozman secured $83 million for the future pilot training center at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith.

“We are grateful to Senator Boozman for his dedication to securing funding for vital projects in Fort Smith. The funds for reconfiguring the Ebbing Air National Guard Base entrance and enhancing security demonstrate strong support for the Foreign Military Sales Pilot Training Mission, which will be a key economic driver in our region. Additionally, investing in our new water transmission line promotes sustainable growth and economic development. These efforts highlight our delegation's ongoing commitment to Fort Smith's prosperity.” – Carl E. Geffken, City Administrator 

“Securing funds for Fort Smith's economic development projects is an investment in our city's future. I'm proud to advocate for these critical initiatives that will drive growth, create jobs, and enhance our community. I thank our Congressional delegation for their work on our behalf.” 
– George McGill, Mayor 

Port of Little Rock: The port will receive $11.5 million to increase its freight rail capacity with the addition of a rail-to-truck transload facility, warehouses and necessary site improvements.

“The Little Rock Port Authority is incredibly grateful to Senator John Boozman and his efforts to support a critical infrastructure project that will significantly increase freight rail capacity at the Port of Little Rock. As the Port of Little Rock continues to grow jobs and attract investment from around the world, this infrastructure project will improve service delivery and provide additional opportunities for manufacturers located throughout central Arkansas. Senator Boozman understands the importance of economic development and job creation. His support of the Port of Little Rock will help Little Rock continue to grow and thrive.” – Bryan Day, Port of Little Rock Executive Director

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission: AGFC will use $11.8 million for improvements of water control structures, alternations and repairs of the levee structures at the Shirey Bay Rainey Brake Wildlife Management Area in Lawrence County.

“On behalf of Arkansas’s sportsmen and sportswomen, I am grateful for Senator Boozman’s strong and dependable support for conservation in the Natural State. This important and timely funding will ensue the Arkansas Game and Fish can restore the habitat at Shirey Bay Rainey Brake and provide public waterfowling access for future generations.” – Austin Booth, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Director 

City of Bono: The city will receive $7.7 million to upgrade its wastewater treatment facility.

“The City of Bono, Arkansas is in dire need of a new wastewater treatment facility and other sewer system improvements. The big expense would force our city into deep and burdensome debt for decades. Senator Boozman saw the need for upgrades and supported investment to improve our wastewater treatment facility and collection system. We are beyond excited and appreciative for this great blessing that will encourage growth in Bono. As a city, we can provide the necessary services to accommodate development and affordable housing. Bono can continue to be a wonderful place to live and raise a family thanks to Senator Boozman.” – Dan Shaw, Bono Mayor 

University of Arkansas: The university will receive $5 million to support the University of Arkansas Center for Design and Materials Innovation to expand the use of Arkansas-sourced timber and wood through cutting-edge research and development. It will also receive $5 million for the University of Arkansas Center for Large-Scale Testing of Seismic Systems construction to provide advanced testing capabilities and innovative solutions to infrastructural challenges posed by seismic activity.

“The vital funding provided in these appropriations allows to the University of Arkansas to provide cutting edge research to our state in both earthquake preparedness and the use of our natural resource of timber in advanced construction materials. We appreciate Senator Boozman’s advocacy to secure funding to help advance this program and connect students with the unique resources available in our state.” – Chancellor Charles F. Robinson, University of Arkansas 

Arkansas State University: The university will receive $10 million to support the Center for Advanced Materials and Steel Manufacturing at Arkansas State University to bolster research in advancing materials and steel manufacturing. 

“Northeast Arkansas is poised to become a national leader in steel production, and the A-State Center for Advanced Materials and Steel Manufacturing will play a critical role in providing the research, process improvement, and workforce development to support this important industry. On behalf of the A-State community and everyone in northeast Arkansas, I want to thank Senator Boozman for his leadership and his commitment to our university and this major economic driver of our state and region.” – Chancellor Todd Shields, Arkansas State University

City of Camden: The city will receive $5.5 million to improve its wastewater systems. 

“This investment in the community is important for continued growth and development in support of our national defense. We appreciate Senator Boozman’s leadership to secure these funds that will improve infrastructure to help attract more businesses and families to the area.” – Ouachita County Judge Robert McAdoo