By JOEL PHELPS | arkadelphian.com
Clark County has been awarded $499,000 to construct the first phase of a regional trail system.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation made the announcement Thursday in its list of award recipients for the 2023 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and Recreational Trails Program (RTP). Clark County’s grant comes through TAP funds and is the third of its kind in recent years, bringing the total available grant funds to nearly $1.5 million.
The first phase of the trail system will connect DeSoto Bluff to Caddo Valley via a paved path along US Highway 67, officials told arkadelphian.com Friday.
“We’re building this trail for the future of our community and the people who choose to live here.” — Troy Tucker, Clark County judge
Talks of a regional trail system began several years ago, when ArDOT was in the process of building a new bridge over the Ouachita River at Arkadelphia. County Judge Troy Tucker said he told engineers that the next bridge needing attention was the Caddo River bridge at Caddo Valley, and learned then that ArDOT already had plans to replace that bridge.
Tucker and Dr. Wesley Kluck, author of the 2007 Clark County Strategic Plan, took the concept of a regional trail system to ArDOT, with the ultimate goal of connecting Arkadelphia’s existing Feaster Trail to DeGray Lake’s trails. Kluck also chairs the committee that has been planning the trail system. Getting the path over the Caddo River would be a major obstacle, so an attached pedestrian path was added to the bridge’s blueprints.
Construction on the Caddo River bridge is expected to begin by summer 2024. It will be built just west of the current bridge (between the existing bridge and Interstate 30). Running parallel to the bridge will be a 10-foot-wide, multi-use path, connected to the bridge but separate from the vehicle lanes, Tucker said, adding that it will feature lighting for added safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.
The TAP was reauthorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and provides funding for programs and projects defined as “transportation alternatives” for pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-motorized forms of transportation. The TAP is a reimbursement-type grant program that provides for an 80% federal share and a 20% local match from eligible applicants.
Clark County will contribute its portion of the funding by way of support from additional grants and donations, Tucker said.
The Caddo River bridge and the trail connecting Arkadelphia to Caddo Valley, although two separate projects, are expected to be built simultaneously. Officials close to the project say the trail will benefit residents and be an asset to help market the community’s quality of life.
“We’re building it for the future of our community, our county and the people who choose to live here,” Tucker said.
The investment also shows that the state sees potential in Arkadelphia’s existing tourism offerings. “We are thrilled that Clark County will be included in this year’s funding awarded through the TAP Grant program,” said Shelley Short, CEO of the Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance. “It will be exciting to witness how this trail system will forge pathways for our residents and visitors to connect to nature and adventure with their family and friends. This selection further demonstrates that Clark County is an ideal spot to enjoy all that The Natural State has to offer.”
Tucker added that a trail system is another marketing tool for Clark County’s tourism. “It will provide a huge economic benefit,” the judge said. “It’s been proven in other communities like Conway.”
For 2023, a total of 47 TAP projects were awarded for approximately $15 million and a total of 14 RTP projects were awarded for approximately $2 million. CLICK HERE to see the full list of the recent TAP grant awards.