Ross secures I-49 funding for FY2008

Congressman Mike Ross secured some federal funding for I-49 in the 2008 House Transportation and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill that just passed the U.S. House. $350,000 would specifically go to completing the seven-mile stretch between Doddridge and the Louisiana line, which is the only area that remains two lanes between Texarkana and Ida, La. Louisiana lawmakers this year appropriated the necessary matching funds needed for the stretch between Shreveport and the Arkansas line.

With prices today, this short stretch of highway is anticipated to cost in the $50-$60 million range. Meanwhile, on the other end, grading and structure work is under way north from Arkansas Boulevard that will eventually connect with Highway 71 north of Texarkana.

Here's the Texarkana Gazette article.