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Smith County hears Thriving Communities grant update; consultants say $100,000 raised to advance bike/ped plan and Salt Trail
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Summary
RCAP and contractor team told the Smyth County Board the county was selected for USDOT’s Thriving Communities program; presenters said they have developed a two‑year work plan prioritizing a bicycle and pedestrian plan, entrepreneurship supports and the Salt Trail and have leveraged more than $100,000 in funding to date.
The Smyth County Board of Supervisors on Monday heard a presentation from representatives of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership and its technical‑assistance team about work under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Thriving Communities program.
Olga Morales Pate, chief executive officer of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP), said Smith County is one of 20 rural communities selected in the program’s cohort and that RCAP provides national technical assistance to help communities move projects from concept to funding. "We serve all 50 states and territories," Morales Pate said, describing RCAP’s role and partners.
Amy Renner, community development senior program manager at RCAP, said the program was administered by USDOT’s Build America Bureau and funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Renner said RCAP’s process began with a needs assessment and produced a two‑year work plan for Smith County, including a focus on removing barriers that typically prevent small rural localities from competing for federal grants.
Deb Martin of Great Lakes Community Action Partnership outlined Smith County’s three primary goals in the work plan: develop a bicycle and pedestrian plan that incorporates economic development and equity, support entrepreneurship and tourism‑related business development, and advance the Salt Trail with stronger regional connections. Martin said the team has used technical‑assistance funds and pass‑through funding to hire consultants (including a contract with Mill Creek Creative) and has raised "over $100,000" so far to support plan development and grant pursuits.
The presenters highlighted stakeholder engagement efforts — town halls, surveys and focus groups — and said steering committees have been formed for both the Salt Trail and entrepreneurship initiatives. They also noted transit planning assistance provided through partner organizations.
Board members thanked the presenters for the support and for traveling to speak with staff and local partners. The county will continue work funded through the Thriving Communities program and staff will report back as the bicycle and pedestrian planning and Salt Trail activities advance.
