Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Grant topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parks director says Little Rock secured $30 million Bezos Earth Fund grant for "30 Crossing" project
Summary
Parks Director Leland told the commission that Little Rock received a $30 million grant from the Bezos Earth Fund toward the larger "30 Crossing" project; design and permitting will be led by the city with additional fundraising required and construction phased over multiple years.
Leland, speaking during the directors' report, announced that Little Rock had been awarded a $30,000,000 grant from the Bezos Earth Fund to support the "30 Crossing" project, a multi-phase initiative the director said has an overall vision approaching $100,000,000.
Leland told commissioners the city and partners have completed a master plan and will move into design development, schematic design and construction documents; he estimated those steps could take roughly 12 to 14 months depending on permitting and other variables, and said major construction of the largest piece could take about two years once funding and approvals are secured.
On the funding and administration path, Leland said the chamber of commerce is processing the grant funds. "Ultimately, at the end of the day, the Bezos Earth Fund wanted the funds to go into something like the chamber that's proven economic projects like this," he said, adding that the city has an MOU with the Department of Transportation and will lead design and permitting processes where required.
Commissioners asked who would manage the project and how responsibilities were divided. Leland said the city will be responsible for design and permits and noted the DOT owns some of the property involved; any design changes requiring DOT sign-off will go through city coordination with the DOT.
Leland outlined next steps: complete design documents, continue fundraising to meet the local match requirements, and advance permits. He said the city aims to complete the largest, fundable piece of the project within about three years provided matching funds and permitting proceed on an accelerated schedule.
The announcement prompted requests for follow-up details; commissioners asked for clearer schedules, a breakdown of matching funds and specific milestones for design and construction. Leland said staff will return with more detailed project timelines and fundraising plans in subsequent briefings.
