With Tuesday’s groundbreaking, the Northwest Arkansas Regional Trail network is closer to becoming a reality.
The Razorback Regional Greenway has been a goal for local planners and outdoor enthusiasts for two decades. Now, a $15M federal grant, matched by the Walton Family Foundation, is speeding up the process.
Many say the trails will be a source of pride in Northwest Arkansas.
"We put a lot of focus on moving people in a safe manner and in an efficient manner,” said Victor Mendez with the Federal Highway Administration. “When you bring these kinds of amenities, you know, bicycle and pedestrian pathways to a community, it's going to be able to connect people to places and it's something we can showcase on a national basis."
Once the trail is complete, it will extend from the Frisco Trail in Fayetteville to Lake Bella Vista near the Missouri border.
The project is expected to be complete in December 2013.