LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - The director of Arkansas’ Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that he is retiring after nearly a decade managing the state’s highway system.
Scott Bennett told the state Highway Commission that he will retire as director March 20. Commission Chairman Tom Schueck said the commission will meet as quickly as possible to consider Bennett’s replacement.
“I’ve had a great career at ARDOT, and I’ve been fortunate to be a part of many success stories, but it’s time for me to step down,” Bennett said in a statement released by the office. “I’ve always been told ‘you’ll know when it’s time,’ and I believe that time has come for me.”
Bennett has been with the department for nearly 32 years and was named director in 2011. He is to leave as Gov. Asa Hutchinson and highway officials are urging voter s this fall to continue a half-cent sales tax for state roads that is set to expire in 2023. The proposal is part of a highway funding plan approved by the Legislature last year.
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