Taking toll roads off the table?

There are multiple articles in the state media this morning discussing a potential offer from Arkansas truckers, who may be inclined to accept a 5 cent increase in diesel tax in exchange for an agreement to refrain from implementing any toll roads in the state. It also looks like a future highway bond issue similar to the 1999 referendum is on the horizon.

As far as toll roads, folks in my district are willing to look at any possible scenarios where we can finally get a four lane highway from Texarkana to Fayetteville. I-49 has been in the works since my parents traveled up Highay 71 as students, and I was assured as an elementary student that by the time I packed up for college that I'd be doing it on a four lane highway. Maybe we'll consider toll roads, and maybe not, but I'd rather not see anyone shake hands on a deal that may take away a potential source for new highways of interstate standards. Some people are willing to support toll roads if it includes speeding up the process of new construction and paying off the debt (so long as the toll has a sunset provision). Why not add that question to any future referendum and let the people decide?