Laying the Foundation: Roads, Bridges, and Transportation Networks

Arkansas’s economy, safety, and daily life all depend on strong, well-maintained transportation infrastructure. Yet many of our roads and bridges are aging beyond their intended lifespans or are insufficient for growing communities. Deferred maintenance only increases long-term costs and risks. I support a strategic approach focused on long-term durability, not short-term fixes.

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That means securing consistent funding to modernize critical highways and bridges, ensuring they meet 21st-century safety and capacity standards. It also means partnering with local governments to address regional priorities—from congested rural highways to disconnected neighborhoods. Where appropriate, we should explore multi-modal transportation options like public transit, pedestrian improvements, and freight corridors.

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Looking ahead, we should also begin planning for commuter and high-speed rail corridors that connect major regions, reduce traffic strain, and unlock new economic opportunities. Strong transportation is the backbone of economic development, and it’s time we built with the future in mind.

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Connecting Arkansas: Rural Broadband for All

In today’s economy, internet access is a basic necessity—as essential as electricity or clean water. Yet far too many Arkansans live in areas without reliable broadband, cut off from opportunities in education, health care, remote work, and business growth. I believe it’s time we treated broadband as the essential utility it is.

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I support strategic investments and public-private partnerships to expand high-speed internet access statewide, especially in rural and underserved areas. That includes ensuring affordability, addressing infrastructure gaps, and preventing monopolies from holding communities hostage with poor service. Broadband expansion should not stop at the city limits—it should reach every household that wants to participate in the modern economy. A connected Arkansas is a stronger Arkansas.

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Securing Our Future: Clean Water, Energy, and Resilient Utilities

Our infrastructure must be strong enough to support growth and resilient enough to endure crises. That starts with safe drinking water, reliable wastewater treatment, and modern energy systems that meet both current and future demands. Too many of Arkansas’s water systems—especially in rural areas—operate with outdated pipes, limited capacity, and little ability to respond to extreme weather or emergencies.

 

I will advocate for funding to repair and modernize critical utility infrastructure, focusing on systems that protect public health and prevent costly failures. We must also future-proof our energy grid—supporting efficiency, grid resilience, and renewable energy integration. Whether it’s expanding battery storage, hardening power lines, or preparing for severe storms, investing in utilities is investing in our security. Clean, reliable infrastructure should never be a luxury—it’s a right and a responsibility.

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Preparing for Growth: Planning for Population and Industry Shifts

We cannot afford to play catch-up when it comes to growth. Arkansas is seeing demographic and economic shifts that demand forward-thinking leadership—not just reacting, but planning ahead. That means working with local leaders, planners, and developers to build infrastructure that anticipates community needs.

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Whether it’s a small town welcoming new families or a region attracting new industry, we need coordination across all levels of government to ensure housing, transportation, utilities, and public services are ready. That includes exploring regional transportation solutions like commuter rail to connect residents with jobs and education. I support comprehensive planning that respects local character, encourages smart development, and balances growth with conservation. With the right planning, we can help communities grow sustainably, inclusively, and prosperously for generations to come.

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Attracting Investment: Infrastructure as a Magnet for Opportunity

Infrastructure is an economic engine. Businesses seek communities with reliable, future-ready transportation, utilities, and digital connectivity. If we want to bring new jobs and investment to Arkansas, we must show we are ready to support growth.

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That means removing barriers—like unreliable water systems, lagging internet, or outdated roads—that hold communities back. It also means building the conditions that help local businesses expand and attract new employers—from manufacturers to logistics firms to tech startups. Long-term planning, including regional transit and modern transportation corridors, will help us compete in a changing economy. By investing in smart infrastructure, we make Arkansas a place where businesses thrive and communities prosper.

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