Arkansas Gov. Pitches Highway Plan

LITTLE ROCK (AP) — Gov. Mike Huckabee began personally pitching his interstate repair program Tuesday to state House members, many of whom questioned why they should support it if their rural two-lane roads get nothing from it.

Some legislators suggested they would hold back support for Huckabee's $575 million bond program and diesel tax increase until there also was a second option aimed at speeding up repairs on other two- and four-lane roads.

As it is, constituents who live an hour or so from the nearest interstate aren't likely to back Huckabee's plan, their representatives said.

It's very difficult to sell to them," democrat state Rep. Don House told Huckabee. "When they look at that, they say, `Hey, we're being taxed and we're not getting any benefit from

t."'

But Huckabee repeatedly urged legislators, meeting in regional caucuses, to pass his program first and then consider any extras.

He warned that widening his road package could jeopardize the backing of various interest groups and ultimately leave the state without a new highway plan this year.

he governor also tried — with limited success — to convince representatives that better interstates would boost the economy statewide, and that cities and counties also would benefit by getting a share of the proposed 3-cent diesel tax increase.

There is something for everyone in it, granted the interstates are the focus of this program," Huckabee told representatives from 1st Congressional District in eastern Arkansas.

he governor's proposal, backed by the state Highway Commission, authorizes issuing up to $575 million in bonds with a plan to pay the debt over 10 to 12 years with future federal highway dollars.

The construction program includes $13 million a year from the diesel tax increase - to be phased in a penny per year over three years. From the diesel tax revenues, $3 million will go to cities

nd counties.

Several legislators questioned why the diesel tax was being phased in, instead of imposed all at once, which would generate more money.

I feel like what they're trying to do here is appease the trucking industry, and they're the ones tearing up the roads," said democrat state Rep. Bobby Glover, D-Carlisle.

ighway commissioners, who attended the caucuses with Huckabee, were quick to point out that they would welcome an immediate 3-cent diesel tax increase — and any other highway money.