LITTLE ROCK (11-20) – The Arkansas Department of Transportation has announced the
award recipients for its Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and Recreational Trails
Program (RTP) for 2018.

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) provides funding for programs and projects
defined as “transportation alternatives” for pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-motorized
forms of transportation. It was authorized by the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation
(FAST) Act. It is a reimbursement-type grant program that provides for an 80 percent
federal share and a 20 percent local match from eligible applicants.

Under the TAP program, eligible projects can include construction of on-road and off-road
trail facilities that include sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, pedestrian and bicycle signals,
lighting and other safety-related infrastructure. Conversion of abandoned railroad corridors
for pedestrian and bicycle trails is also eligible.

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is funded through a portion of TAP funds set aside
specifically for recreational trails. These funds are eligible for maintenance and restoration
of existing trails, development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail
linkages, and construction of new trails.

For 2018, a total of 30 TAP projects for $8.1 million and 16 RTP projects for $1.6 million were
awarded.

A few of the larger TAP projects include the Delta Heritage Trail from Watson to the
Arkansas River, the downtown streetscape in Pine Bluff, phase four of the rehabilitation of
the Old River Bridge over the Saline River, and phase four of the Craighead Forest Greenway
Trail. RTP projects awarded include an addition to the Veteran’s Park Trail in Decatur,
rehabilitation of the Ouachita Trail at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, and phase one of the
Stone Dam Creek Trail in Conway.

A complete listing of all award recipients and project names is attached.

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