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"THE NUMBERS HAVE GOT TO BE BIG. … THE LIFT IS NOT LIGHT. EVEN AT $250
MILLION, IT’S NOT LIGHT. WE'RE NOT WILLING TO DO THE LIFT IF WE’RE NOT
SOLVING THE PROBLEM.”

—ARKANSAS TRUCKING ASSOCIATION
PRESIDENT SHANNON NEWTON

One alternative is a bond issue, way needs. An ARDOT survey that drew willingness of Democrats — particularly
which would spread the cost over 5,000 responses found 77 percent aren’t in the House where they now have a
time but would result in high interest satisfied with the condition of the state’s majority — to openly discuss the need
costs. According to ARDOT Director highways, and 74 percent would support for an increase in the user fee, we’re
Scott Bennett, for the Interstate new revenue sources. The most popular optimistic we could see real progress on
Rehabilitation Program passed by voters funding mechanisms were transferring funding our roads and bridges.”
in 2011, the state paid $187.5 million in existing highway-related sales and use Back at the state level, other truck-
interest on a $762.5 million program, taxes to highways, which had 62 percent ing-related issues will be debated. The
or 24.6 percent. For the Connecting support, and increasing the diesel tax, coalition that supported Issue 1, the
Arkansas Program, the state is paying which had 45 percent support. Another tort reform measure stricken from the
$151.3 million on a $620.2 million 32 percent would support increasing reg- ballot by the Arkansas Supreme Court,
program, or 24.4 percent. If legislators istration fees, while 29 percent supported is evaluating what it can do either legis-
refer a tax increase to the voters, it will increasing the gas tax. latively or through another ballot ques-
have to be connected to a bond issue tion. ATA will seek to extend the life of
unless it’s in the form of a constitu- FORGE OUR OWN FUTURE the state’s Death and Permanent Total
tional amendment. That’s because law- One source of revenue Hutchinson Disability Trust Fund, which is set to
makers cannot refer questions to voters isn’t counting on is Uncle Sam. expire July 1, 2019. The fund has pro-
that they have the authority to answer Hutchinson told the Good Roads vided a safety net for employers hit with
themselves. Foundation that Arkansans must “forge huge worker’s compensation claims, but
But Newton pointed out that an our own future” now that control the Legislature ended it during a special
amendment with too many provisions of Congress is split between the two session in 2016. ATA wants the pool
could face a legal challenge. That’s what parties who are unlikely to create a to stay in place, with higher payments
happened with Issue 1, the 2018 tort major infrastructure program together. made by employers or a cap in benefits,
reform proposal supported by ATA that Newton agreed, saying, “If you would which exists in other states. Finally,
the Arkansas Supreme Court disquali- say that we’ve been unsuccessful in get- ATA will support legislation protect-
fied because it said it tried to do too ting material policy or legislation moved ing fleets who use in-cab cameras to
many things. in the last two years, it’s hard to imag- coach owner-operators. The legislation
Another issue is the traditional ine it’s going to be easier in the next would ensure those practices can’t be
allotment of 15 percent of highway two.” Vickery said there is “absolutely used against fleets in lawsuits claiming
revenues for cities and 15 percent for no chance whatsoever of any significant owner-operators are employees. Newton
counties. Because of those and other legislation coming out of this Congress. believes the ATA can make the argu-
funding requirements, ARDOT receives None. Zero. I’ve never been more cer- ment to a business-friendly Legislature
only 64.8 percent of current revenues, tain of something in my life.” and therefore help other states pass
or $455 million. Taking the city-county Still, trucking advocates will such legislation. After all, why would
numbers into account, an additional continue to make the case for infra- anyone want to disincentivize safety?
$592 million a year would be needed structure. President Trump proposed But highways will be the focus of
to generate $400 million for high- spending $1.5 trillion through mostly much of ATA’s attention for the next
ways. Hutchinson told the Good Roads private investments. It went nowhere, four months. The question will be, who
Foundation he has indicated to cities but it’s clear he recognizes the problem. can find the best route to better roads?
and counties that he is OK with con- The American Trucking Associations’ “No one has emerged as a consen-
tinuing the traditional split so long as spokesman, Sean McNally, said, “Given sus builder with something that has
the money is used for roads and bridges. President Trump’s acknowledgement of broad support just yet,” Newton said.
The good news is the public seems the need for there to be real funding as “That’s what we really need in order to
to understand the state has serious high- part of an infrastructure bill, and the start moving in the right direction.” ATR

ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 6 2018 23