Finance committee forwards $2.14 million TAP trail grant application to full council

The Jonesboro Finance Administration Council on Tuesday read and voted to forward Resolution 26,040, asking the city to apply for FY2026 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funds through the Arkansas Department of Transportation to continue construction of the Culver House multiuse trail connector to Craighead Forest Park.

Chair read the resolution’s cost estimates: "the estimated project cost is $2,144,639.73," and the resolution states the city is requesting a TAP federal share of $1,715,711.73 and a local match of $428,928. The resolution also includes a 1% ARDOT administration fee of $17,157, bringing the total local funding requirement to $446,085. The TAP program referenced in the resolution anticipates 80% federal participation and 20% local match.

The resolution directs the mayor and city clerk to execute necessary agreements and authorizes the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) to initiate action to implement the project if awarded. The committee moved and seconded a motion to forward the measure to full council; no roll-call tally was provided in the transcript.

Why it matters: TAP funding would cover most construction costs but requires the city to provide the local match and to pay costs up front on a reimbursable basis, meaning the city must complete work and provide proof of payment before federal reimbursement.

The committee’s forward action sends the project to the full council for final authorization and any required commitments of local funds.