Another leg of four-lane U.S. 67 opens

Dangarn says...

"For example, he said, it took about 40 years to build U.S. 67 from Little Rock to Newport, a distance of more than 80 miles. But it took only about a decade to build 42 miles of Interstate 540 from Alma to Fayetteville"
The terrain and the environmental impact were tougher for 540 also but the above statement just goes to show that it is all about politics, not what is best for an area. Northeast Arkansas has had to fight tooth and nail to get any help from the State or Washington for infrastructure improvements. Jonesboro is a thriving growing community due mostly to the dedication and support of the business community working with local politicians and citizens of the area to entice industry to locate there. They support ASU and the other local schools and the growth of the area can be attributed to a mindset of “if it is good for the whole community then it is worth pursuing”, a very selfless attitude that more community, state and national leaders should take a lesson from.
The old down town area impresses me with its fresh clean streets and the ambiance of a different era plus the appeal of great little shops and restaurants. I live in Batesville and lately find myself going more to Jonesboro for shopping or to visit a specialist rather than make the trek to Little Rock. It used to be we went to Little Rock because it was the only choice. Jonesboro should be proud.

October 16, 2009 at 9:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )