WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK) introduced legislation to designate U.S. Route 412 from I-49 in Springdale, Arkansas to I-35 in Noble County, Oklahoma as a future interstate.

“Connecting Northwest Arkansas and North Central Oklahoma will encourage economic development along this corridor and expand opportunities for employment in the region,” Boozman said. “I’m proud to join Senator Inhofe and Senator Cotton in designating U.S. Route 412 as a future interstate.”   

“Interstates make travel safer and shipping easier. Connecting I-49 to I-35 will support NWA’s growth and bring opportunity to all communities in the corridor,” Cotton said. “I look forward to working with Senators Boozman and Inhofe to designate Route 412 as a future interstate.” 

“Our interstate system is the lifeblood of Oklahoma’s economy and provides the network for companies to bring materials into our critical industries, for businesses to locate in areas convenient for consumers, and for commuters to get to work and school safely and reliably,” Inhofe said. “Designating Route 412 as an interstate would benefit Oklahoma by attracting new businesses, improving safety, enhancing freight mobility and better connecting rural and urban communities. I am proud to introduce this bill today alongside Sens. Boozman and Cotton and look forward to its swift consideration.” 

Arkansas Department of Transportation Director Lorie Tudor and Oklahoma Department of Transportation Secretary Tim Gatz expressed their support for the designation in this letter. 

Full text of the bill can be found here.

Benefits:

• The future interstate route would directly connect three key interstate freight corridors in the heartland of America – I-49, I-35 and I-44.
• The future interstate route serves two major inland ports and improves access to the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport and the Tulsa International Airport.
• The future interstate route would improve supply chain connectivity for major retail and industrial employers in the region.