The mayor told the Jonesboro City Council on Oct. 9 that the city was awarded a $490,000 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant for the Higginbotham Creek Trail.

“This is a big win for our community and our commitment for walkability, recreation and quality of life,” the mayor said, describing TAP as a reimbursement-style federal grant that covers 80% of project cost while the city provides a 20% local match.

The mayor said TAP grants support projects that improve transportation options for pedestrians, bicyclists and other nonmotorized travel. The transcript does not specify a project timeline, total project cost, or which contractor will manage the work.

No formal council vote on acceptance was recorded in the meeting transcript; the mayor presented the award in the mayor’s report and invited the public to participate in community events linked to the city’s quality-of-life goals.

The council did not provide a construction schedule, sources for the 20% local match, or next steps for design and procurement during the recorded discussion.