Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) is preparing to hold a public involvement meeting next month to gather community feedback on a proposed construction project involving a new Arkansas Highway Police training facility and an associated outdoor firearms range in Little Rock.
The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 9, and will run from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. It will take place in an open-house format, allowing residents to stop by at any time during the two-hour window to review materials, ask questions, and share comments about the proposal.
According to ARDOT, the meeting will focus on a project planned for existing department property along Highway 338, also known locally as Baseline Road. The site is located in Little Rock and has been identified as a potential location for expanded training operations for Arkansas Highway Police personnel.
The event will be held at Little Rock Church, located at 10701 West Baseline Road, Little Rock, AR 72209. Officials noted that informational materials related to the proposal will also be made available online beginning July 2, giving the public time to review project details before attending or submitting feedback.
Community input is a key part of the process, and ARDOT is encouraging residents to participate in the discussion. Written comments will be accepted until Thursday, July 23 at 4:30 p.m., giving the public additional time beyond the meeting itself to share their views.
Residents who wish to submit feedback can do so through online comment forms or by mailing printed forms directly to the agency’s Environmental Division at P.O. Box 2261, Little Rock, AR 72203-2261. Officials emphasized that all submissions will be reviewed as part of the project evaluation process.
For those without internet access or who need assistance understanding project details, ARDOT has provided direct contact options. Questions can be directed to Matt Strawn at (501) 569-2281 or via email at [email protected]. He is available to provide information about the proposed facility and the public involvement process.
In addition to general inquiries, ARDOT is also offering support for individuals who may require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Requests for assistance, including alternative formats of project information, can be submitted in writing or by phone. These accommodations include large print, audiotape, and Braille materials upon request.
Officials also provided information for individuals who are hearing or speech impaired, directing them to the Arkansas Relay System at Voice/TTY 711 to ensure full access to project information and participation opportunities.
The department noted that it remains committed to transparency and compliance with all federal civil rights requirements. ARDOT stated that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, age, national origin, religion, or disability in its programs, services, or employment practices.
Complaints or inquiries related to nondiscrimination policies can be directed to ARDOT’s Civil Rights Division at P.O. Box 2261, Little Rock, AR 72203, by phone at (501) 569-2298, or via email at [email protected].
Officials say the upcoming meeting is an important step in ensuring that the public has an opportunity to understand the scope of the proposed training facility and provide input before any final decisions are made. The open-house format is intended to make participation more flexible, allowing residents to engage with project information at their own pace.
As the July 9 meeting approaches, ARDOT is encouraging residents in the Little Rock area and beyond to take part in the process, review the available materials, and submit their comments during the open public review period.
