WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton—along with Congressmen Rick Crawford and French Hill—announced the Arkansas Department of Transportation will be awarded $40 million to reconstruct and improve two sections of US 67 northeast of Little Rock.

The project will widen US 67 from four to six lanes, construct an overpass, convert frontage roads to one-way operation and reconstruct two interchanges. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) discretionary grant program.

“Arkansas has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to make Highway 67 an interstate-quality road. This major award from the Department of Transportation will help facilitate the ongoing upgrade of Highway 67 to meet interstate requirements. Completion of this project is key to encouraging economic development in neighboring communities,” said Boozman, who authored the language to designate the portion of Highway 67, from North Little Rock to Walnut Ridge, as “Future I-57.”

“An interstate-quality road system enables faster movement of people and goods—an important asset for any community. This important investment from the Department of Transportation will make the towns of northeast Arkansas even more attractive places to live, work, or start a business. I worked hard to help secure this grant for the Natural State, and I’m pleased that the administration is keeping its promise to invest in rural America,” Cotton said.

“This INFRA grant puts us one step closer to I-57. This grant is the latest in a series of Federal investments in Arkansas and I applaud Secretary Chao’s leadership in ensuring rural America is included in the national infrastructure conversation,” Crawford said.

“This major grant from the DOT will go a long-ways towards improving Highway 67. The ‘Future I-57’ will enhance economic opportunities in communities throughout central Arkansas by promoting commerce and encouraging job growth. Improving infrastructure throughout the state helps all Arkansans and will bring more visitors in to enjoy our Natural State,” said Hill.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao noted that this grant was part of a larger announcement to fund critical surface transportation projects across the nation.

“This Administration is focused on infrastructure improvements and this $906 million in federal funding would improve major highways, bridges, ports, and railroads across the country to better connect our communities, enhance safety and support economic growth,” said Secretary Chao.