McCaskill Walking Trail grant recipient

LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has announced the award recipients for the 2024 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and Recreational Trails Program (RTP).

The TAP was reauthorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and provides funding for programs and projects defined as “transportation alternatives” for pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-motorized forms of transportation. The TAP is a reimbursement-type grant program that provides for an 80% federal share and a 20% local match from eligible applicants.

Under the TAP, eligible projects can include construction of on-road and off-road trail facilities that include sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, pedestrian and bicycle signals, lighting and other safety-related infrastructure. Conversion of abandoned railroad corridors for pedestrian and bicycle trails is also eligible.

The RTP is funded through a portion of TAP funds set aside specifically for recreational trails. These funds are eligible for maintenance and restoration of existing trails, development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages, and construction of new trails.

For 2024, a total of 54 TAP projects were awarded for approximately $16.7 million and a total of 11 RTP projects were awarded for approximately $2.5 million.

Area Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) 2024 Awarded Projects:

(Hempstead County/City of McCaskill): McCaskill Walking Trail — $86,000

(Pike County/City of Murfreesboro): N. Washington Sidewalks & Pedestrian Safety Improvements (Ph. II) — $500,000