Pave it Forward for county's future

There's lots of talk in the news about America's crumbling infrastructure. It seems that our roads, bridges and water systems are falling into disrepair and the states and counties around America are struggling to maintain them. I'm pleased to say that here in Garland County our leaders are trying to do something about this challenge -- and I'm proud to stand with them.

On June 28 (early voting opens June 21), we'll have a unique opportunity to take advantage of a large amount of federal and state funding earmarked for road construction and improvements. If we're willing to commit to $30 million in bond financing, we'll get more than that amount in return.

I'm happy to serve as co-chairman of the Pave it Forward campaign with my friend Maj. Gen. Tom Arwood (U.S. Army, retired) because we recognize that our county is at a critical juncture. We're thankful that we are joined in this effort by a distinguished group of civic, business and government leaders who are working hard to create a viable plan, communicate this issue clearly, recruit their associates and friends -- and bring out the voters.

As always, the principal question we'll have to address for voters is simple: "What's in it for me?" And in this case, we can truly report that there is something for everyone.

• Citizens of north Garland County and Hot Springs Village will have a new, safe roadway that will bring them to Hot Springs for jobs, shopping and medical care.

• The people of Hot Springs will have much of the dangerous truck traffic that rumbles through our downtown eliminated, while creating a greater likelihood of the estimated $200 million in annual buying power from the Village area closer to our shops, restaurants and automobile dealers.

• For the residents who live in the other areas of the county, there will be an estimated $20 million to improve badly congested intersections and complete other bridge and road projects which have been delayed for years.

• These road construction projects will not only bring millions of construction dollars and jobs to the area during construction, the improved roads will be a powerful new tool for those trying to bring in new industry.

• Historic downtown Hot Springs will be allowed to flourish as a safer, quieter tourist pedestrian destination when Central Avenue has reduced traffic.

In 2011, Gen. Arwood and I worked with the group which planned and built the badly needed new county detention center. We and the hundreds of other people who worked on the campaign promised that the project would be completed in a cost-efficient, timely manner, that the bonds would be repaid as quickly as possible, and the collection of the necessary sales tax would cease as soon as those bonds were paid. The jail is built, our streets are safer, tax collections were even better than projected and the facility will be paid for later this year. Promises made, promises delivered.

Now we have another opportunity to move our county forward, but this time the pot is sweetened by $35 million or more in matching state funds which, make no mistake, will go to another project in another county if we don't vote to pass this issue. Gen. Arwood and I would not be putting our names on this campaign if we didn't recognize this is an incredible opportunity to improve quality of life and increase business development. If you want further detail, visit the campaign website at http://gcpaveitforward.com. And June 21-28, join me as I vote to Pave it Forward.

John Hearnsberger is the co-chairman of the Pave it Forward campaign committee.

Editorial on 05/22/2016

Upcoming Events