I-555 receives additional funding boost

Last week, officials announced that the much anticipated funding for the completion of designated I-555 had been approved in the amount of $2.2 million. The funds will be used primarily to build a service road between Marked Tree and Payneway.

Since certain large equipment vehicles are prohibited from traveling on interstates, farmers and other drivers would be required to take lengthy detours on smaller state highways, impacting efficient movement of goods and the safety of other travelers.

The lack of a service road has caused a good deal of controversy over the past few years especially from area farmers. Some farm equipment drivers were even ticketed in the past for being on the highway before allowances were made until the service road could be completed.

The new service road will run parallel to what is now U.S. 63 across the St. Francis River west of Marked Tree and is just part of an approximately $20 million project.

Once this one section is completed, everything will be in place to change U.S. 63 to I-555 allowing the highway, which runs from Jonesboro to Turrell where it connects to I-55.

Representatives Marion Berry, and Blanche Lincoln as well as Senator Mark Pryor each applauded the move saying it would not only help the faming economy, but prove a safety measure for the area.

According to a press release issued by the three collectively, the funding was included in the FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act which was signed into law on March 11, 2009.

"This access road will improve safety along future Interstate 555," said Lincoln. "I am pleased to see this effort get underway, and I look forward to working with communities in Northeast Arkansas to complete this project."

"Investing in highways and infrastructure is one of the most important investments we can make to attract and grow businesses in Northeast Arkansas," said Pryor. "This federal funding for the I-555 corridor is a win-win for reducing traffic congestion, lost productivity and gas consumption."

"Investments in infrastructure are the most effective method to spark our stalled economy -- especially in our rural areas," said Berry. "This funding will bring the designation of U.S. 63 as Interstate 555 closer to reality, making Northeast Arkansas an even more attractive location for business and industry and providing efficient access to jobs, services and centers of trade."

Poinsett County Judge, Charles Nix said the move has already had a positive effect on at least on community in the county.

Rusken Packaging, which is currently renovating the old American Greetings plant in Harrisburg for occupancy in the next three months, pointed to the proposed I-555 corridor as one of the reasons they expanded to Poinsett County. (See separate story this issue)

"They felt like this would be a good location to service the Memphis market," said Nix. "I-555 is an important link for us in northeast Arkansas because of manufacturing, shipping and farming. The upgrade can play a vital part in the industrial development in the county for the future."