With only 7% of registered voters coming out for a special election, Arkansas voters rejected by a 40 to 60% margin a proposal that would have allowed the Arkansas Highway Commission to issue $575 million in bonds for Interstate improvements.
The referendum question on the ballot also would have allowed the Highway Commission to issue future bonds without seeking voter approval. Only six years ago, in 1999, a bonding program for Interstate repair was approved by an 80% margin.
Voters also rejected a referendum question that would have provided $400 million in bond financing to retire old debt and provide funds for university construction and technology projects.
