Federal funding for west campus overpass will benefit many; Congressman cited

Aug. 2, 2005 -- Following Congressional approval Friday of the new transportation bill, only President Bush's signature is needed to enact it into law.  The bill includes $9 million for the west campus railroad overpass project, a major part of the funds needed for construction.

Dr. Les Wyatt, president of Arkansas State University, was thrilled with news of the Congressional action because the overpass will be a tremendous benefit for both ASU and the community of Jonesboro.  He was also quick to give credit to those who have worked so hard for passage of the transportation bill, especially the Senate delegation and U.S. Rep. Marion Berry.

"The west campus overpass project is very important, both for Arkansas State University and for the community at large," Wyatt said.  "When complete, the overpass will provide a valuable link between Johnson Avenue and the central business and medical district of the community.  Those in a wide area including north Jonesboro will benefit, not just ASU."

He emphasized the public safety benefits of the long-sought project for the thousands who enter and exit the campus each day on Caraway Road.

"From the university's point of view, the specific benefit of the west campus overpass will be public safety and the welfare of our students, faculty and staff.  By closing the grade crossings, we will be able to provide a much safer method for entering and leaving the ASU campus."

ASU personnel have worked on this project for at least nine years, and many have actually wished for an overpass much longer than that, he continued.

"We are very glad to see the joint effort between members of the Senate and House who worked out differences to bring a bill to the President's desk," he continued.  "We are grateful for the support from Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and several members in the House of Representatives, especially our Congressman, Marion Berry.

"Congressman Berry has been the driving force throughout this process.  It is because of his continued expectation to see this project funded and his singular devotion to it that we're seeing this happen.  He committed early on to support this project and to help guide it through the political process, in particular through his effective committee work.  All of us associated with Arkansas State University will always be grateful for his significant and personal efforts on behalf of ASU and the City of Jonesboro to successfully obtain major funding for the west campus overpass."

The university has previously received $4.45 million for planning and engineering in preparation for the project, and expects to receive additional state funds.  The project will have to be bid, so the actual cost is yet to be determined.

The overpass will be located west of the current Health, Physical Education and Sports Sciences complex and will re-connect on the south of the railroad tracks with Washington Ave.

News reports Friday afternoon said the transportation bill includes $286.4 billion for highways, mass transportation, and transportation safety.  It also has provisions to ensure that by 2008, each state will receive at least 92 percent of what it contributes in federal gasoline taxes to the Highway Trust Fund.

# # #