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Committee backs RTP and TAP grant applications for trail and pedestrian improvements
Summary
The committee voted to forward two grant applications: a $490,000 RTP request to develop the Higginbotham Creek soft-surface trail and a $490,000 TAP request to build pedestrian infrastructure on Southwest Drive from South Culverhouse Street to Parker Road; each includes a local match and an ARDOT administration fee.
The Jonesboro Finance Administration Council Committee voted to forward two resolutions to full council that would authorize applications for federal active-transportation funds.
Resolution 25-037 would request $490,000 in federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funding to develop the Higginbotham Creek soft-surface trail. The resolution as read lists a total estimated project cost of $987,218.92, with the city committing $399,218.92 in additional funds and noting an Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) administrative fee of $4,900 calculated from the RTP federal share. The resolution states that RTP funds are available at 80% federal participation and 20% local match and that federal reimbursements require proof of payment before reimbursement.
Resolution 25-038 would request $490,000 in Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding to design and build pedestrian infrastructure on Southwest Drive from South Culverhouse Street to Parker Road. The resolution lists a $98,400 local match and an ARDOT administration fee of $4,920. Staff described the Southwest Drive project as tying into recent work to improve the Culverhouse/Southwest Drive intersection and the nearby bridge over the interstate, extending an existing multi-use path that currently dead-ends near Southwest Drive.
Committee discussion focused on connectivity: committee members asked for a layout of the proposed Southwest Drive improvements, and staff described the project as a pathway on the east side of Southwest Drive heading south to Parker Road that would connect with existing and planned pedestrian accommodations. Staff said the work would require ARDOT approval because the route interfaces with state highway bridges and overpasses; they noted the project could serve as a blueprint for adding pedestrian accommodations to other overpasses in the city.
Both resolutions were moved and seconded and forwarded to full council; the transcript does not include the committee's roll-call tally. Committee members also asked for follow-up materials, including a layout map showing the project scope.
