Jonesboro seeks $21 million BUILD grant
by February 12, 2026 9:57 am 315 views
The city of Jonesboro will seek a $21 million federal grant for infrastructure and safety improvements near the Ridge Athletic Complex. The city is investing an additional $5.5 million in money generated by revenue bonds. To seek the grant, known as a BUILD grant, it will have to be approved by the Jonesboro City Council.
The measure goes before the full council on Tuesday (Feb. 17).
The $74 million Ridge Athletic Complex is located near Caraway Road and Race Street, an intersection traversed by nearly 20,000 vehicles a day. The proposed project will increase traffic capacity by adding two turning lanes and a pass-through lane. It will further facilitate vehicular traffic by extending sidewalks south of the intersection down Caraway Road.
“To ensure that the Ridge is a permanent boon to the local economy — and pays for itself over time — we must ensure that visitors enjoy their stay here,” said Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver. “Existing traffic issues could undermine that goal. This is an opportunity to not only fix existing traffic issues, but improve them longer-term.”
The safety enhancement project includes 6-foot sidewalks and 10-foot sidepaths on opposite sides of South Caraway Road. Construction is scheduled to start in the spring.
The project complements Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT) plans to enhance efficiency along the Interstate 555 corridor.
Director of Operations Tony Thomas said improved pedestrian accommodations will make travel to the sports complex safer and easier for drivers, walkers and cyclists alike.
“It is essential to the city’s long-term success that we, No. 1, widen Caraway Road,” Thomas said. “No. 2, expand the intersection at Race Street. And No. 3, accommodate pedestrians en route to the Ridge with sidewalks and side paths that not only will facilitate foot traffic but also free drivers, walkers and bicyclers from the hazards of sharing a busy thoroughfare.”
The BUILD grant project will be on display at the community meeting Thursday (Feb. 12) at the Earl Bell Center. The purpose of the meeting is to garner Jonesboro residents’ input in developing a 30-year plan for developing the city.