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Article: Pine Bluff's economy expects boost from bypass; idea conceived more than 35 years ago finally sees light at end of tunnel. (Pine Bluff, Arkansas; U.S. Highway 65 bypass)(includes related article)
- Article from:
- Arkansas Business
- Article date:
- July 18, 1994
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1994 Journal Publishing, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDING of the U.S. Highway 65 bypass in Pine Bluff will exceed well over $75 million by the time it is completed in 1998 or '99.
Like most highway projects, this bypass carries a heavy financial weight. However, a transportation official believes taxpayers will reap returns several times over in a wealth of economic development that should start popping up along the 11-mile stretch even before its completion date arrives.
"Anytime you have highway improvements it's going to spark economic development," says Randy Ort, assistant public affairs officer for the Arkansas State Highway & Transportation Department. "I expect a tremendous amount ...