BELLA VISTA, Ark.—Arkansas transportation officials are preparing a list of infrastructure projects that could benefit from federal funding under a new stimulus package.

Arkansas Highway Commission Chairman Jonathan Barnett says his top priority is the $225 million U.S. 71 bypass of Bella Vista.

“I’d think the Bella Vista bypass would be high up on that list,” Barnett told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. “There’d be a lot of people who would like to see that take place.”

President-elect Barack Obama supports a stimulus package that would create jobs through infrastructure projects in the states. The House in September passed a $61 billion economic stimulus bill, but the Senate rejected it. That bill would have provided $174.3 million for Arkansas highways, said Mike Malone, executive director of the Northwest Arkansas Council, a nonprofit group that pushes economic development groups.

Another project vying for economic stimulus money is improvements to the taxiway at the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport at Highfill. The taxiway, which would be built west of the runway and would double as an alternative landing surface when the runway is under repair, would cost $45 million, said Scott Van Laningham, the airport’s chief executive officer.

“We could be ready to open bids in 30 to 45 days and be moving dirt in 75 to 90 days,” Van Laningham said. “We’re ready with it.”

U.S. Rep. Vic Snyder, D-Ark., said if a stimulus package is approved, he wants to ensure it works quickly to help the economy.

“Investments in infrastructure can be effective economic stimulus if the funds rapidly turn into steel, cement, asphalt and construction jobs,” Snyder said. “Stimulus funds should only be used for projects that are either under way or ready to go.”

U.S. Rep. John Boozman, R-Ark., said he considers the Bella Vista bypass a worthy project, but that he’s not sure putting money into infrastructure projects is the best way to revive the economy.

“I’m a great advocate of spending on infrastructure, but if we are talking about the best avenue to stimulate the economy, that might not be the best way.”