Little Rock staff told the Board of Directors on July 29 that Metroplan has awarded design funding for the next phases of two city road projects: Canis Road (westward from Gamble Road toward Cooper Orbit Road) and a Bowman Road phase that runs south from Cherry Laurel. The awards cover design work only; staff said additional funding requests for right-of-way acquisition and construction will follow once final designs are complete.

Why it matters: the Metroplan awards cover engineering and design steps necessary to advance projects that affect Ward 6 neighborhoods. Staff described a request for $400,000 in Metroplan funds for Canis Road design with a $100,000 city match and a larger right-of-way request for Bowman Road that would cover property acquisitions and utility accommodations. For Bowman Road, staff said they had requested $2.8 million with a $700,000 city match, producing a right-of-way funding total of about $3.5 million.

Staff said Michael Baker, a consultant, completed the initial design work on the first phase; the same firm will do the new phase design. Board members raised neighborhood concerns about roundabout placement near Brody Creek and effects on landscaping and a pond; staff said the roundabout location was adjusted after a second neighborhood meeting to reduce impacts on existing medians and landscaping and that staff can provide additional updates.

Board members asked whether the design awards build the roads; staff stressed they fund design only and that separate funding for right-of-way acquisition and construction will be requested after design is complete. Staff said that federal funds cover parts of the projects and that right-of-way purchases will involve acquisition of properties of significant value in some locations.

No formal vote was taken on the grants at the agenda meeting; staff said the items were informational and tied to upcoming consent agenda items for formal action.