Federal money supports 10 NWA sidewalk projects

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT) recently announced more than $3.16 million in federal funding for 10 sidewalk and recreational projects in Benton and Washington counties. The money comes from the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and is part of ArDOT’s Transportation Alternatives and Recreational Trails programs.

The previous program includes six sidewalk and sidepath projects in Benton County and two trail projects in Washington County. The latter comprises boat access on the Illinois River in Benton County and a nature trail in Washington County.

Following are the sponsors, project name and federal grant amount for the Transportation Alternatives Program, which supports sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, pedestrian and bicycle signals, lighting and other safety-related infrastructure:

In Benton County, Cave Springs will receive $348,000 for the sidewalk for West Wallis Road and Sands Road. Decatur will receive $200,000 for the sidewalk from Rooster Street to Hill Avenue. Lowell will receive $500,000 for the sidewalk for Concord and Honeysuckle streets. The Northwest Arkansas Regional Mobility Authority will receive $500,000 for the Arkansas Highway 112 sidepath, or Heritage Springs Trail. Pea Ridge will receive $183,000 for the McCulloch Street sidewalk extension. Siloam Springs will receive $184,000 for the Progress Avenue sidepath.

In Washington County, Farmington will receive $400,000 for the Creekside Park Trail. Goshen will receive $252,000 for the Mill Branch Park Trail.

Following are the sponsors, project name and federal funding amounts for the Recreational Trails Program:

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will receive $500,000 for Illinois River boat access in southwestern Benton County. In Washington County, Fayetteville will receive $100,000 for the Lake Fayetteville Accessible Nature Trail.

Statewide, the two ArDOT programs supported about $17 million in projects.