Commission Unsure About Plan

LITTLE ROCK (AP) — Members of the state Highway Commission aren't sure they want to commit a large portion of Arkansas' fuel tax receipts to a $1.8 billion highway bond program.

The Governor's Citizens Council on Highways and Transportation has recommended the bond program to Gov. Mike Huckabee. It would obligate 11 cents of the state's 18.6-cent fuel tax to pay off the

onds.

Commission chairman Herby Branscum said Tuesday he wants to meet with federal highway officials and let highway department officials analyze the proposal before forming an opinion.

A portion of future federal funds would be committed to paying off the bonds. The council's recommendation also includes a 2-cent diesel tax that would push its worth to $2.3 billion.

"I guess the proposal is more of a philosophy or approach than something that has been honed down to actual figures," Mr. Branscum said. "Until that has been done I personally am not going to take

position."

Other commissioners agreed with Branscum.

"This is not a highway program, yet," said Commissioner Prissy Hickerson of Texarkana. "I don't think the governor has come out and said `This is my highway program.' It's a proposal."

Supporters of the plan say Arkansas' road needs over the next 10 years will exceed revenue by about $2.3 billion. The bond issue would pay up-front road construction costs and money from federal

uel taxes would be used to pay off the bonds.