$500,000 AHTD grant to fund campus beautification project at Shorter College

The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) has awarded a $500,000 grant to Shorter College in Little Rock. The reimbursable Federal-aid funding will be used to update sidewalks, install new pedestrian lighting and make landscape improvements.

Shorter College officials will join city and state leaders at noon Friday (May 12) to break ground on the project.

“This grant allows Shorter College to become an anchor for the I-30 corridor, the Sherman Park community, and the Argenta Development District. It also provides a more idealistic academic setting for our students,” Shorter College President Jerome Green said in a statement. “Needless to say, it improves our image and also our general community. This raises Shorter College’s profile.”

Funding was made available through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). Shorter College’s status as an institution of higher learning made it eligible as a project sponsor under TAP, according to a news release. Eligible uses under TAP include sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, pedestrian and bicycle signals, lighting and other safety-related infrastructure.

Marlar Engineering Co. is the engineer for the project and CDI Construction will provide construction services. The first phase will add additional sidewalks, new and improved lighting, landscaping upgrades, and a new entry sign located on the corner of Bishop Lindsey Avenue and Locust Street.

“We are extremely appreciative to the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department for making the funding available and for the support given by the city of North Little Rock through Mayor Joe Smith,” Green added.