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Texarkana board approves federal grant application for East 9th Street sidewalks
Summary
The Texarkana Board of Directors voted to submit a Transportation Alternatives Program application to fund sidewalks on East 9th Street, a reimbursable grant offering 80% federal participation and a 20% local match; board members asked staff about pursuing other MPO-listed sidewalks.
The Texarkana Board of Directors on a March 2026 consent vote authorized the city manager to submit a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant application to the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department to fund sidewalk improvements on East 9th Street.
The resolution, read aloud by the city attorney, says the TAP program will cover about 80% of eligible costs on a reimbursable basis with a 20% local match and that the project will be open to the public and maintained by the city for the life of the improvement. The board voted by roll call and approved the measure.
A board member asked whether the city would pursue additional sidewalk projects listed in the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) plan, citing Division Street and a segment of East Street that extends from the underpass to Highway 49. City staff said the East 9th Street application is the specific project the city requested through the MPO this cycle and that the city cannot pursue every MPO-listed corridor in a single year, but will seek additional opportunities as funding and timing allow.
City staff also explained the TAP grant is reimbursable, meaning the city must accomplish the work and provide proof of payment before receiving federal reimbursement. Detailed project design, bidding and construction schedules will follow grant award and design work.
The resolution's approval allows the city manager to execute agreements and contracts necessary to apply for and, if awarded, implement the East 9th Street sidewalk project. Board members indicated they want staff to continue reviewing other MPO-listed sidewalks for future grant cycles.
