For Our Roads Now Committee Public Forum

The For Our Roads Now Committee has scheduled the first two public forums so people can be better informed about the upcoming special election on Feb. 8.

The committee is made up of residents from throughout Garland County who are concerned about the deteriorating roads, streets and bridges. Committee members request extra funding to pay for road improvements by the continuation of the 0.625 percent sales tax for five years.

The forums are part of the committee’s public information campaign. The campaign is designed to provide factual and credible information about road repair needs and the costs of maintaining and repairing the 1,000 miles of roads in Garland County.

The first public forums have been scheduled for Dec. 16 and Jan. 11 at 6 p.m. The forums will be held at the Garland County Library at 1427 Malvern Ave., Hot Springs.

The continuation of the 0.625 percent sales tax will be considered during the Feb. 8 special election. About $70 million will be generated over five years and the funds will be divided for road repairs among Garland County, Hot Springs, Fountain Lake, Mountain Pine and Lonsdale, based on their populations.

The Garland County Quorum Court approved an ordinance calling for the special election on Feb. 8.

Garland County and Hot Springs officials are scheduled to attend the forums to explain the conditions and costs of repairs to roads and bridges and answer any questions. For Our Roads Now Committee moderators will provide a presentation.

The public is invited to attend. The forums are free.

For more information go to the committee’s website at www.OurRoadsNow.com.