ARKANSAS, USA — On June 26, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that Arkansas would be receiving $40 million for three projects in the state, including two in 5COUNTRY.
The money is part of $1.8 billion in nationwide awards from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity, or RAISE, grant program.
The RAISE awards announced on June 26 will fund 148 projects across the country, bringing the total amount of RAISE grants to more than $7.2 billion for over 550 projects across the U.S.
“After decades of underinvestment, the condition of America’s infrastructure is now finally getting better instead of worse – and today we proudly announce our support for 148 more projects in communities of every size across the country,” Buttigieg said.
Buttigieg adds that the funding went toward projects to make roads safer and more resilient to weather.
A release from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) said that the funding is split equally between urban and rural areas, and that "a large percentage of grants support regions defined as historically disadvantaged or areas of persistent poverty."
According to USDOT, Projects in Arkansas include:
- Siloam Springs — Bridging Heritage: Main Street Revitalization project — $11,556,363 — This project will fund the planning, engineering design, and construction of Complete Streets improvements along E Main Street between Maxwell Street and Lincoln Street. The project includes the replacement of the Sager Creek Bridge, pavement resurfacing, bicycle lanes, ADA compliant sidewalks, lighting, street trees, traffic management solutions, stormwater drainage, and utilities. The restoration of Sager Creek Bridge and the revitalization of E Main Street will improve the safety of motorized and non-motorized travelers with improved infrastructure, traffic management solutions, and active transportation facilities that will contribute to reduced transportation air pollution and carbon pollution.
- Crawford and Sebastian counties — I-49 Extension — $25,000,000 — This project will plan, design, and construct an approximate 14-mile extension of I-49 that features a four-lane, divided, controlled-access road. The project will also include a new bridge crossing over the Arkansas River, approximately four interchanges, additional grade separations, and local road improvements. The project will improve safety and reduce fatalities and serious injuries; promote transportation efficiencies over road, river and rail by providing access to a future intermodal port facility; reduce transportation related air pollution and emissions. The extension of I-49 will also improve access to daily destinations like jobs, healthcare, grocery stores, schools, places of worship, and reduce barriers to employment opportunities.
- Searcy — Little Red Greenway — $4,222,900 — The project will plan and design approximately 15.5 miles of greenway linking Kensett to downtown Searcy as an expansion to the existing 5.5-mile Searcy Bike Trail. The project will include three components: revising citywide plans, policies, and ordinances to incorporate the planned greenway; collecting public input and completing design and construction documents. Planning for the extended trail will eventually provide a dedicated bicycle and pedestrian route to universities and schools, major employers, residential neighborhoods, and other key destinations in an area with documented incidents of fatal crashes and serious injuries. The project will encourage physical activity, increase community connectivity, reduce transportation costs with low-cost transportation options.
USDOT reports that it received almost $13 billion in RAISE requests, with only $1.8 billion available in awards for this year.
The full list of projects can be viewed here.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) responded to the award on June 27, calling it a valuable project and extending thanks to USDOT.
“The I-49 extension will provide improved regional mobility that will converge with the Arkansas River and several Class 1 Railroads,” ARDOT Director Lorie Tudor said. “I want to express my sincere thanks to the USDOT for recognizing the value of this project, as well as Arkansas’ Congressional Delegation for their support and advocacy in acquiring this very important funding.”
Multiple Arkansas lawmakers also commented on the grants, thanking the legislators who helped get the money to Arkansas.
“This funding will go to infrastructure projects that are critical to maintaining roads, trails, and railways in Arkansas. I’m pleased Senator Boozman, Congressman Womack, and I were able to secure the grants for these projects,” U.S. Senator Tom Cotton said.
“I’m thrilled that $25 million in federal funding will go directly to Arkansas’ Third District to complete the vital I-49 expansion,” U.S. Representative Steve Womack added. “Thank you to the Arkansas Department of Transportation for their tireless work on this project, which will increase travel efficiency and safety while having long-term economic benefits for Arkansans. It’s an honor to have been a resource in this process along with Senators Boozman and Cotton.”
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