Arkansas transportation agency receives fiscal-year funding

The Arkansas Department of Transportation may use the listed amounts for agency operations and transportation programs. The funding covers agency operations, employee costs, roads, bridges, ferries, public transit, highway safety, grants, research, retirement expenses, and related programs. Spending must come from the named fund and follow state purchasing, accounting, budget, salary, and other fiscal-control laws. The money may be used only for the purposes stated in each appropriation section. The appropriations apply to the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, and the act takes effect July 1, 2026.

The act sets maximum employee counts and salary rates for Arkansas Department of Transportation positions. The limits cover regular employees and listed temporary positions, with a total maximum of 4,558 employees and rates for named job groups. The Arkansas State Highway Commission determines individual salaries within the listed limits and available appropriations. These positions are outside the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act but remain subject to the Regular Salaries Procedures and Restrictions Act. The limits apply during fiscal year 2026–2027; salaries for the pay period beginning in June 2026 and ending in July 2026 may be paid from fiscal-year 2027 salary and overtime funding.

The transportation department director may move certain savings among operating sub-items after legislative review and required notice. The authority covers savings from regular salaries, overtime, personal-services matching, and maintenance and general-operation items within the operations appropriation. The Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee must review the transfer. The Department of Finance and Administration and the Auditor of State must be notified of the specific transfer. If personal-services matching funds are insufficient, money may be transferred from maintenance and general-operation items after the required review. The transfer provisions apply during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027.