Press Releases

Washington, DC—March 16, 2022….Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG), authored, secured, and voted to pass funding—which was signed into law—for Third District of Arkansas priorities. Below is what stakeholders are saying about these efforts and the impact they will have on our community.

The Arkansas Department of Transportation received $18 million to upgrade and expand I-49:

Arkansas State Highway Commissioner Keith Gibson said, “The Arkansas Department of Transportation is extremely grateful to Congressman Womack for his efforts in securing funding for the construction of Interstate 49 from Alma to Barling. The positive impacts that I-49 will bring to Western Arkansas in terms of economic growth and development, quality of life, and transportation safety are immeasurable. Thanks to the steadfast advocacy and hard work of Congressman Womack, much needed federal funds are helping build a bright future for our community and our region.”

Arkansas Tech University received $675,000 to enhance its nursing program:

Arkansas Tech University President Dr. Robin E. Bowen said, “Arkansas Tech University is grateful to Congressman Womack for his leadership in securing these funds in support of Arkansas Tech University nursing students. As a comprehensive regional university, we prepare highly-skilled nurses on our Russellville and Ozark campuses who move forward into a wide variety of careers within our health care system. These resources and the equipment they will provide will enhance the career readiness of our graduates and the outcomes for the patients they will serve." 

The Jack Williams Veterans Resource Center — “Camp Jack” — of Harrison received $2.28 million to rehabilitate and expand its facilities, which support local veterans:

Jack Williams Veterans Resource Center President Matt Russell said, “Arkansas veterans and our community received a very special investment due to the vision and hard work of Congressman Steve Womack. This funding for Camp Jack will improve the quality of countless lives, create opportunity, and help those who’ve worn the uniform heal old wounds. It lets our veterans know they are not forgotten while fostering renewed pride and purpose. For so many, this brings a precious gift of hope for a better tomorrow.”

The Northwest Arkansas National Airport received $4 million to upgrade transportation infrastructure:

XNA CEO Aaron Burkes said, “I would like to thank Congressman Womack and his team for their diligence in securing the Community Project Funding grant for XNA. This project will improve ADA access and make passenger traffic in the terminal more efficient, both crucial components for XNA as we strive to expand alongside of our burgeoning region.”

The Fort Smith Peak Innovation Center received $400,000 to support Career and Technical Education (CTE) for middle school students:

Fort Smith Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Terry Morawski said, "In addition to providing high quality career and technology instruction for high school juniors and seniors, Peak Innovation Center is facilitating new learning experiences for middle level students. 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th graders have the opportunity to explore and experience high-interest, high-demand, and high-wage career pathways as they learn to identify natural aptitudes and interests in a chosen career path. We are very grateful to Congressman Womack for his assistance with this important component, as well as his support in developing the comprehensive approach that Peak Innovation Center now offers."

SLS Community in Fayetteville received $3 million to improve resources dedicated to supporting and educating neurodiverse and developmentally disabled adults:

Mayor of the City of Fayetteville Lioneld Jordan said, “The SLS Community is a transformative non-profit creating a community of vocational, residential, and clinical resources that will help improve the lives of neurodiverse residents and their families. I want to thank Congressman Womack and his staff for their leadership, advocacy, and support through the federal appropriations process. A project of this size and scale requires significant infrastructure investments. I’m so grateful to the Congressman for recognizing the value of this project and working to help us secure the infrastructure funding needed to help make this vision a reality. The SLS Community will have a significant economic and social impact for the City of Fayetteville, Northwest Arkansas region, and State.” 

In-depth information on projects and other appropriations package highlights can be found here.

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

womack.house.gov

###