Leaders discuss transportation issues at Bentonville breakfast

State and area leaders discussed transportation projects and issues in and around Bentonville and Bella Vista this morning.

Dick Trammel, Arkansas Highway Commissioner moderated a five-member panel during the Bentonville-Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce's Business Matters Breakfast.

Bob Clinard, Benton County judge, spoke about how storm damage from last year has take money that could be otherwise used to pave roads.

The county will be reimbursed much of the $5 million in damage, but the county will still use about $700,000 of its budget to help, he said.

Bentonville Mayor Bob McCaslin gave an overview of the city's street projects.

He spoke about the Eighth Street Improvement project to widen Eighth Street to five lanes and construct an interchange at Interstate 540.

City officials received the go-ahead to obtain the right of way acquisition two weeks ago, McCaslin said. Utility relocation will be the next step of the project, then finally construction.

The biggest issue facing Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport is getting a low cost carrier that caters to the business community, said Scott Van Lanningham, the airport's executive director and CEO.

The existing airlines will lower their fares when the airport gets a low cost carrier, he said.

Joel Gardner, executive director of Ozark Regional Transit, discussed how the Northwest Arkansas Community is currently underserved by public transportation.

Steve Lawrence, with the state highway and transportation department, highlighted six highway projects from Lowell to Bella Vista that are currently under construction. He also spoke about future projects, including the widening of Interstate 540 to six lanes.

The next Business Matters Breakfast will focus on education. It will be held in July.

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