Advocates for transportation alternatives that don’t involve driving a car across Arkansas are excited about the projects that have received funding through the Federal Highway Administration’s Transportation Alternatives program.
Reauthorized under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Transportation Alternatives program “provides funding to the States for a variety of generally smaller-scale transportation projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities; construction of turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas; community improvements such as historic preservation and vegetation management; environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity; recreational trails; safe routes to school projects; and vulnerable road user safety assessments,” according to the FHWA.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation split about $16.7 million in funding to 54 different projects across the state. Whether it be in Northwest Arkansas, Central Arkansas or a more rural part of the state, advocates say that any projects meant to decrease car usage are critical for better cities and towns.
