Legal

Advising and assisting the Commission, the Director, and others in the Department on any and all Commission and Department legal matters.

Rita S. Looney, Chief Legal Counsel

Division Head

Phone: (501) 569-2112
Fax: (501) 569-4916

Image of Rita Looney, head of ARDOT's Legal Division.

Our Mission

ARDOT Legal Division, known simply as “Legal,” exists to advise and assist the Arkansas State Highway Commission (ASHC), the Director of the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), and others in the divisions and districts of ARDOT on  all legal matters.  To do this, legal provides opinions and guidance to ensure compliance with the letter and spirit of the law in all of ARDOT’s endeavors and dealings with its employees, contractors, and the driving public.

 Legal handles the following types of matters and much more!

Represent the ASHC and ARDOT in all types of administrative and court matters, including representing the Commission and Department in state and federal court proceedings, filing Eminent Domain Proceedings in Circuit Court, processing ARDOT employee garnishments, providing defense of the Department in claims before the Arkansas State Claims Commission, presiding over administrative hearings, and handling administrative appeals.

Examine title history to lands purchased or acquired through eminent domain process.

Manage and collect accounts receivable resulting from damage to ARDOT property

Maintain Intrastate Motor Carrier Authority and Medical Waivers

Respond to the public’s requests under the Freedom of Information Act

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