Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Transportation has announced approximately $16.1 million in awards for 47 projects through two programs supporting non-motorized transportation and recreational trails.
For 2026, the Transportation Alternatives Program, known as TAP, awarded approximately $14.7 million to 38 projects. Another nine projects received approximately $1.4 million through the Recreational Trails Program, or RTP.
The programs support a range of work, from sidewalks and bicycle infrastructure to trail maintenance and new recreational routes. Each program has its own eligible uses, with RTP funding set aside specifically for recreational trails.
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TAP was reauthorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It provides funding for projects defined as transportation alternatives for pedestrians, bicyclists and people using other non-motorized forms of transportation.
The program operates through reimbursement grants. Federal funding covers 80% of eligible project costs, while eligible applicants must provide a 20% local match.
Qualifying construction can include both on-road and off-road trail facilities. Sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, pedestrian and bicycle signals, lighting and other safety-related infrastructure are among the improvements eligible for support.
The program also allows funding to convert abandoned railroad corridors into trails for people walking and cycling. These conversions are another eligible use alongside the construction of pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
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RTP draws its funding from a portion of TAP money reserved for recreational trails. Its eligible activities include maintaining and restoring existing trails, as well as constructing new ones.
Funding can also support the development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and connections between trails. This gives the program a role in both improving existing recreational routes and supporting additional trail infrastructure.
The TAP awards account for most of the funding announced for 2026, with recreational trail awards making up the remaining approximately $1.4 million.
Those interested in future opportunities can subscribe to ARDOT’s Local Public Agency information to receive notifications about upcoming funding cycles for both programs.
