I-49 and the stimulus

I met with Texarkana Mayor Horace Shipp, Scott Bennett of the AHTD, and Txk Chamber Chairman David Haak yesterday to discuss how certain portions of I-49 can fit into the stimulus plan. Of major concern to my district (at least regarding federal highways) is (1) the five-mile stretch of I-49 from Doddridge to the Louisiana line, (2) the I-49 loop around Texarkana, (3) I-49 North, and (4) Hwy. 82 East to El Dorado. The commission will meet Friday to discuss projects likely to receive funding from the state's highway portion of the stimulus package.