The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

Top Stories

Discussion

October 13, 2012

Sales tax proposal could fund bypass around Bella Vista

By Wally Kennedy news@joplinglobe.com

BELLA VISTA, Ark. — A proposed constitutional amendment on the Nov. 6 ballot in Arkansas would add a half-cent to the state’s 6-cent sales tax to raise money for local and state transportation projects.

If that happens, it could initiate work on the long-awaited Bella Vista bypass on U.S. Highway 71, which would swing around to the west side of Bella Vista.

Craig Douglass, spokesman for the Move Arkansas Forward campaign that is supporting the measure, said, “It could be a tremendous benefit to that area. It would begin two lanes of the eventual four-lane Bella Vista bypass, which will eventually become Interstate 49.’’

The measure would not raise taxes on groceries, medicine or gasoline.

The state would use its portion of the new sales tax revenue to back road construction bonds worth $1.3 billion. Northwest Arkansas would get 25 percent of the total amount expended statewide.

The measure is receiving heavy support in Northwest Arkansas where some of the nation’s largest truck fleets are operated by Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Tyson Foods Inc., and J.B. Hunt Transport Services.

The tax also could benefit residents across the state line in Southwest Missouri, who would use the bypass to commute to work in Arkansas or to the airport or the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

Seventy percent of the revenue generated by the half-cent increase would pay for new four-lane highways around the state. The remainder — approximately $700 million — would go to counties and cities to spend on roads. The levy would expire after 10 years. Under the amendment, there could be no extension.

Douglass said, “Issue No. 1 on the ballot provides city and county revenue for the local road projects. Benton County would get over $43 million over the next 10 years for local road and street projects.

“The money flows directly to the county for use on transportation-related projects as they see fit,’’ he said. “The bond issue is for new construction. The city and county funds can be used for maintenance.’’

The bond money also would be used to widen Interstate 540 to six lanes between Fayetteville and Bentonville.



Interstate 49

The Missouri portion of Interstate 49, which stretches from Pineville to Kansas City, is set to fully open at noon on Dec. 12. Eventually, the highway will provide an all-interstate connection between Kansas City and New Orleans.

 

Text Only
Top Stories
  • 052413 pools5_72.jpg Area pools ready for plunge; Schifferdecker opening still to be announced

    Though this week’s mild temperatures may not signal swim season, most area pools are ready anyway. And, the mercury should rise a little this weekend to help those anxious to dive in. Highs will be in the low 80s today and Sunday. There is a chance for isolated thunderstorms on Monday, but the thermometer should hit 82 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

    May 24, 2013 2 Photos

  • Joplin School Board decision could take up to two weeks; Turner remains on paid leave

    It could take up two weeks for the Joplin Board of Education to decide whether Randy Turner’s teaching contract should be terminated, the school district’s attorney, John Nicholas, said Friday.

    May 24, 2013

  • 052413 Loretta Bailey.jpg Joplin insurance agent seeks donations for Moore, Okla.

    After losing an office building and her home in the tornado on May 22, 2011, Loretta Bailey is familiar with the destruction that a tornado brings. The 400 households that her insurance agency helped through the aftermath of the tornado also know that loss. \

    May 24, 2013 1 Photo

  • Families, friends invited to honor veterans with flags this weekend

    Small lengths of plastic pipe have been installed behind the headstones of veterans graves in Joplin cemeteries so that every veteran will have a flag on Memorial Day.

    May 24, 2013

  • Events, activities planned to honor veterans Monday

    No ceremonies are planned at Joplin cemeteries this year or at Mount Hope Cemetery in Webb City, but a number of other events are scheduled in cities around the region.

    May 24, 2013

  • 052313 Turner6_72.jpg Joplin Board of Education to decide fate of East Middle School teacher

    After hearing nearly 10 hours of testimony from more than a dozen witnesses and accepting more than 45 exhibits into evidence, members of the Joplin Board of Education voted to move behind closed doors Thursday night to decide whether Randy Turner, a communication arts teacher at East Middle School, will continue to teach.

    May 23, 2013 2 Photos

  • 052213 gas4_72.jpg Memorial Day travelers bemoan high gas prices

    Norm Hayward and his wife, Claudia, have a couple of things going for them as they continue their increasingly expensive motor home trip around parts of the United States. For starters, the Phoenix, Ariz., couple are saving on hotel costs.

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • Cunningham Park vandalism estimated at $4,000

    Vandals caused an estimated $4,000 worth of damage in Cunningham Park, draining the pool in the aquatic center of about 200,000 gallons of water and throwing some large landscaping rocks into the reflecting pond.

    May 23, 2013

  • Joplin team drove through storm to get to Moore

    It was a long drive in the middle of a severe thunderstorm that had earlier produced a massive tornado in Moore, Okla. With the two-year anniversary of Joplin’s deadly twister approaching on Wednesday, a team of 14 Joplin emergency workers was ready to risk the trip in order to get help to a hurting Moore.

    May 23, 2013

  • 052313 Turner1_72.jpg Content of book, students' access to it at issue in hearing for suspended teacher

    A standing-room only crowd is present at the hearing this morning to decide the fate of suspended Joplin Middle School teacher Randy Turner, who has asked for the hearing before the board of education.

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo