TRANSPORTATION
ALTERNATIVES
PROGRAMS FOR:
Bikes, Hikes & More!
E
BY DAV ID NIL L E S
ACH YEAR, THE ARKANSAS STATE HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR CITIES ACROSS THE STATE TO AFFORD BETTER WALKING TRAILS, BETTER BIKE TRAILS AND BETTER
SIDEWALKS. IT’S THE TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM (TAP) AND IT MEANS BETTER RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND SAFER STREETS FOR OUR COMMUNITIES.
THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM The TAP provides funding for projects
defined as “transportation alternatives”
for pedestrians, bicyclists and other nonmotorized forms of transportation. It
was authorized by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP21). It is a reimbursement-type grant
program that provides for an 80 percent federal share and a 20 percent local match from eligible applicants.
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Under the TAP program, eligible
projects can include construction of on-road and off-road trail facilities, sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure,
pedestrian and bicycle signals, lighting
and other safety-related infrastructure. Conversion of abandoned railroad
corridors for pedestrian and bicycle trails is also eligible.
The AHTD’s Recreational Trails
Program (RTP) is funded through a
set aside portion of TAP funds. These funds are eligible for maintenance and restoration of existing trails,
development and rehabilitation of
trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages, and construction of new trails. The AHTD receives approximately
$8.5 million in TAP funds annually that can be awarded to eligible projects.
An additional $1.5 million per year is available through the RTP.