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Arkansas

Processes For Consultation And Cooperation With Local Officials In Non-Metropolitan Areas

The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) has primary responsibility for inter-modal transportation planning. The Arkansas Highway Commission also plays a role in highway planning. In developing both the inter-modal 20-year Statewide Long-Range Plan and the 3-year STIP, AHTD obtained input in a variety of forums. AHTD held open house "listening sessions," at various locations around the state, to receive input on developing the non-metropolitan portions of plans from citizens, local officials, planning and development districts, MPOs, the State Clearinghouse, and Chambers of Commerce. Participants were invited by letter and encouraged to attend one or more meetings to provide written or oral comments on the planning process and project priorities.

Additionally in 1998, the Arkansas Highway Commission conducted 16 regional meetings at various locations in the state to discuss with local officials and the public the need for highway improvements in the state, priorities for improvements, and how needed improvements may be funded. Ten of these meetings were held in rural areas. Many concerned citizens, state and local officials, representatives from planning and development districts, and other organizations attended. The Commission also hosted a 1998 Arkansas Transportation Summit.

Other mechanisms are used to obtain local input concerning transportation needs. If requested by an elected official, AHTD conducts meetings between the Highway Commission or AHTD administrators and local elected officials to discuss the status of transportation improvements in their local areas.

After the Statewide Long-Range Plan was drafted, notice of its availability for review and comments was sent to potential participants. Likewise, for the draft STIP over 2000 letters were sent to all elected officials (state legislators, mayors and county judges) inviting their review and comment. The STIP also was posted on AHTD's Internet web site, with the opportunity to receive comments through electronic mail. Comments were considered and necessary revisions were made.

Study areas for MPOs include areas likely to be urbanized in the next twenty years. Local officials in the potentially developing portions of the region can become involved in the metropolitan planning process as voting members of the MPO Policy Committee, and may vote on the list of projects to be included in the long-range plan and Transportation Improvement Program.

Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds are allocated by AHTD to various community service agencies for planning, purchase of transit vehicles, maintenance, and operations. Availability of applications for this program is also advertised in various statewide media. AHTD ensures that public transportation providers coordinate with local officials in their applications.

Arkansas established the Arkansas Public Transportation Coordinating Council as an inter-agency coordination group to assure cost-effective provision of public transportation by qualified transportation operators, particularly the transportation of the disadvantaged. The Council is composed of members of AHTD staff, employees of the Department of Human Services (DHS), transportation providers, and industry representatives.

Rural transportation is supported by federal, state, and local funds. Thirty percent of state highway user funds are distributed to city and county governments and used at their discretion. Additional revenue from a 1¢ motor fuel tax is available to county governments for transportation projects under a State Aid to counties program. Cities and counties also generate revenues for transportation projects from property taxes, local sales tax and General Revenue funds. All local generated funds are spent at the discretion of the local government.

Arkansas uses these practices:

State Consultation Tours: Open house "listening sessions" at various locations around the state.
State Hearings: Regional meetings held at various locations in the state; opportunity for official comments provided during a comment period, including possible comments on a web site.
State Process for Interactive Exchanges of Views with Local Officials: Annual meetings and open houses at various locations; 1998 Summit.
Roles of RPOs: The Arkansas Highway Commission funded RPOs to assist in the planning process until recently; still consults with them.
Allocation of Transportation Funds and Responsibilities: Cities and counties spend highway user fund allocations at their discretion.
Other Practices: Hold meetings if requested by an elected official; mailings sent to officials to inform them of the comment period; web site comments.

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