Transportation Alternatives Program & Recreational Trails Program Applications Now Available

The Arkansas Highway Commission has announced that applications for the Arkansas Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and the Arkansas Recreational Trails Program (RTP) are now available.

Virtual seminars will occur on Thursday, March 14 and Tuesday, April 2 to inform potential eligible applicants of TAP and RTP requirements and responsibilities. Registration information for the seminars can be found at the web addresses listed below.

Eligible TAP projects include, but are not limited to:

• On-road and off-road trail facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized forms of transportation, including sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, pedestrian and bicycle signals, lighting, and other safety-related infrastructure.

• Infrastructure-related projects and systems that will provide safe routes for non-drivers.

• Conversion and use of abandoned railroad corridors for trails for pedestrians, bicyclists, or other non-motorized transportation users.

• Any environmental mitigation activity, including pollution prevention and abatement activities.

• Infrastructure-related Safe Routes to School (SRTS) projects.

• Sidewalk improvements, traffic calming, and speed reduction improvements.

• Pedestrian and bicycle crossing improvements.

• Non-infrastructure projects such as:

• Public awareness campaigns and outreach.

• Enforcement, encouragement, and evaluation programs.

• Bicycle and Pedestrian education or a walking school bus program near a K-8 school.

• Pedestrian/trail Master Plans.

Eligible RTP projects include, but are not limited to:

• Improvement of motorized, non-motorized, and multiple-use trails.

• Development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages.

Project applications and registration for both programs, including general project guidelines, may be obtained by visiting ardot.gov/ TAP or ardot.gov/rtp.

Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Friday, May 31.

Additionally, the Department has an ongoing open application cycle for Motorized RTP projects. Applications may be submitted year-round and are reviewed in order of arrival. More information can be found at ardot.gov/rtp.