Arkansas
The Connecting Arkansas Program has helped improve road conditions in the state and the additional BIL funding should help both roads and bridges improve.
Arkansas is located in the southern region of the United States and has a population of over 3 million people. The state has a diverse economy with industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism contributing significantly. Infrastructure in Arkansas includes highways, bridges, airports, ports, and public transportation systems.
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Arkansas's infrastructure is in fair condition, with many areas requiring improvement. In its 2021 Infrastructure Report Card, the ASCE gave Arkansas an overall grade of C-.
Arkansas's highways and bridges are the state's most significant infrastructure asset, with over 30,000 miles of highways and 13,000 bridges. However, many of these bridges and highways are in need of repair or replacement. Approximately 10% of Arkansas's bridges are classified as structurally deficient, meaning they are in poor condition and require significant maintenance or replacement.
The state's airports also require improvement, with many in need of upgrading to meet modern safety and security standards. The Arkansas Department of Transportation has a plan to invest $2.2 billion in the state's highways and bridges over the next ten years to address some of these issues.
Arkansas has a limited public transportation system, with only a few urban areas having access to bus and rail services. The state is working to improve its public transportation infrastructure through various initiatives, such as the Federal Transit Administration's Capital Investment Grants program.
In conclusion, while Arkansas's infrastructure is in fair condition, there is significant room for improvement. Investments in highways, bridges, airports, and public transportation systems are needed to ensure the state's continued economic growth and prosperity..