Arkansas Transportation Department Secures $105.5 Million in Federal Funding

Funding will go towards six infrastructure projects across the state.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has secured an additional $105.5 million in congressionally directed spending and community project funding for six infrastructure projects across the state. The funding was secured by members of Arkansas' Congressional Delegation, including Sen. John Boozman and Reps. Steve Womack, Bruce Westerman, and Rick Crawford.

Why it matters

This federal funding will allow ARDOT to make critical improvements to major highways and interstates in Arkansas, enhancing connectivity, safety, and supporting economic development across the state.

The details

The $105.5 million in funding will go towards the following six projects: Highway 412 Corridor improvements ($11 million), the future I-57 project from Walnut Ridge to the Missouri state line ($6.734 million), and four other unspecified projects. ARDOT Director Jared D. Wiley stated that the investments will 'ensure better connectivity and safety across our state and open the door to more growth and economic development.'

  • The funding was secured through the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development appropriations for fiscal 2026.
  • The FY 2026 appropriations bill was recently signed into law by President Trump.

The players

Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT)

The state agency responsible for maintaining and improving Arkansas' transportation infrastructure.

Sen. John Boozman

A member of Arkansas' Congressional Delegation who helped secure the additional funding.

Rep. Steve Womack

A member of Arkansas' Congressional Delegation who helped secure the additional funding.

Rep. Bruce Westerman

A member of Arkansas' Congressional Delegation who helped secure the additional funding.

Rep. Rick Crawford

A member of Arkansas' Congressional Delegation who helped secure the additional funding.

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What they’re saying

“We are grateful to Arkansas' Congressional Delegation for their advocacy and support for ARDOT and our state's infrastructure. Investing in our major highways and interstates ensures better connectivity and safety across our state and opens the door to more growth and economic development.”

— Jared D. Wiley, ARDOT Director (kait8.com)

“I was proud to secure $11 million for Highway 412 Corridor improvements and $6.734 million for the future I-57 project from Walnut Ridge to the Missouri state line in the FY 2026 appropriations bill for the Department of Transportation, which was just signed into law by President Trump. These dollars will improve our highways, boost safety, and support the roads our farmers, small businesses, and families rely on. I am committed to continuing to work with my colleagues in Congress to make sure Arkansas receives the necessary infrastructure investments required to support Arkansas' outsized role in the U.S. economy.”

— Rep. Rick Crawford (kait8.com)

“On behalf of the Arkansas Highway Commission, we want to say thank you to our Congressional Delegation for investing in Arkansas' future. These six projects—which are improving and expanding major corridors—will have a lasting impact on transportation in our state.”

— Philip Taldo, Arkansas Highway Commission Chairman (kait8.com)

What’s next

The six infrastructure projects funded by the $105.5 million will now move forward with planning and construction, with the goal of completing the improvements in the coming years.

The takeaway

This federal funding represents a significant investment in Arkansas' transportation infrastructure, allowing the state to make critical upgrades to major highways and interstates. These projects will enhance connectivity, safety, and support economic development across the state, benefiting farmers, small businesses, and families who rely on these vital transportation corridors.