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Hot Springs seeks $225,424 in state STEP grant to fund targeted traffic enforcement
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Summary
The Hot Springs Police Department asked the board to authorize filing and acceptance of a FY2027 Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant for $225,424 to reimburse overtime, equipment and enforcement costs; the grant requires no city match.
The Hot Springs Police Department requested authorization to file for a $225,424 state STEP grant to fund targeted traffic enforcement operations, Chief Harborton told the board.
The grant, administered by the Arkansas Highway Safety Office, would reimburse expenses such as officer overtime, personnel-related costs, fuel, vehicle maintenance and traffic-enforcement equipment including radar and lidar units, portable breath testers and oral fluid drug testers. Chief Harborton said the program aims to reduce traffic-related accidents and fatalities by supporting enforcement activities such as DWI patrols, seat-belt enforcement and distracted-driving enforcement.
Why it matters: The STEP grant provides dedicated funds for overtime and equipment with no required local match, so it can expand enforcement capacity without immediate local budgetary impact.
What was said: "The Hot Springs Police Department's total budget request for the fiscal year 2027 STEP grant is $225,424," Chief Harborton said, and he noted the grant has no match requirement from the city. He also reminded the board the application packet was available for review and staff would answer questions.
What happens next: The board will consider a resolution (R-26-83) authorizing filing and acceptance of the grant at the upcoming business meeting; the application and staff report are in the packet for board review.
