Highway use tax evasion program (HUTE)

The Arkansas Department of Transportation received a $550,000 Project Grant award dated September 19, 2025, from the Federal Highway Administration under the Fuel Tax Evasion-Intergovernmental Enforcement Effort program (CFDA 20.240). The award funds the Highway Use Tax Evasion Program (HUTE), which will operate through March 31, 2028. The primary deliverables include an International Fuel Tax Agreement Educational Forum featuring training and conferences focused on collecting, auditing, and enforcing motor fuel taxes. These educational initiatives are designed to enhance intergovernmental collaboration among state and local agencies in reducing federal and state fuel tax evasion.

This award supports Arkansas's efforts to expand enforcement capabilities through knowledge-sharing and professional development activities. The HUTE program aligns with the federal grant program's objective to increase intergovernmental activities and enforcement efforts among public agencies. As a 100 percent federally funded project grant, the award emphasizes innovation and multi-agency participation in fuel tax compliance initiatives, with the expectation that participating agencies will maintain comprehensive records of expenditures and accomplishments throughout the project period.

Project description

International fuel tax agreement educational forum: training and conferences regarding collecting, auditing, and/or enforcing motor fuel taxes. (HUTE)