Northwest Arkansas is set to benefit from over $3 million in federal funding aimed at enhancing alternative transportation and recreational trails. This funding comes as part of the Transportation Alternatives Program, reauthorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. The program supports projects that promote nonmotorized transportation options like walking and biking, including the construction of trails, sidewalks, and safety infrastructure. Additionally, the Recreational Trails Program, which allocates funds specifically for recreational trails, will support trail maintenance, development, and construction.
These programs operate on a reimbursement basis, covering 80% of project costs, with a 20% local match required. The maximum grant available is $500,000. For the year 2025, Arkansas has awarded 60 Transportation Alternatives Program projects totaling approximately $18.9 million, alongside seven Recreational Trails Program grants worth about $1.8 million.
In Northwest Arkansas, Benton, Madison, and Washington counties will receive over $2.9 million from the Transportation Alternatives Program. Springdale will benefit from $116,000 in Recreational Trails Program funding for the Thunderchicken Trail rehabilitation. Among the funded projects are biking and safety training at Arkansas Arts Academy, a float-in campsite by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and various trail and sidewalk improvements across the region. Notable projects include the Razorback Greenway pavement replacement in Fayetteville and the Gateway Park enhancements in Greenland.
