The Arkansas State Highway Commission is pleased to announce that applications for the Arkansas Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and the Arkansas Recreational Trails Program (RTP) are now available.
Virtual seminars will be held on April 1, 2021 and May 4, 2021 to inform potential eligible sponsors of TAP and RTP requirements and responsibilities. Registration for the seminars can be found at the web address listed below.
Eligible TAP projects include, but are not limited to:
- Construction of on-road and off-road trail facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized forms of transportation, including sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, pedestrian and bicycle signals, lighting and other safety-related infrastructure.
- Construction of infrastructure related projects and systems that will provide safe routes for non-drivers.
- Conversion and use of abandoned railroad corridors for trails for pedestrians, bicyclists, or other non-motorized transportation users.
- Any environmental mitigation activity, including pollution prevention and abatement activities.
- Infrastructure related Safe Routes To School (SRTS) projects:
- Sidewalk improvements, traffic calming and speed reduction improvements.
- Pedestrian and bicycle crossing improvements.
- Non-infrastructure related SRTS projects:
- Public awareness campaigns and outreach
- Enforcement, encouragement, and evaluation programs
- Bicycle and Pedestrian education or a walking school bus program in the vicinity of a K-8 school.
Eligible RTP projects include, but are not limited to:
- Construction and major maintenance of motorized, non-motorized and multiple-use trails.
- Development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages.
The TAP was authorized under the transportation bill, Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. The TAP redefined the former Transportation Enhancement activities and consolidated these eligible activities with the former Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program and projects previously funded through the discretionary National Scenic Byways program. The FAST Act also continued funding for the RTP. Congress approved a one-year extension of FAST Act, which provides funding for all programs in FFY 2021.
Beginning today, March 1, 2021, project applications for both programs, including general project guidelines, may be obtained by visiting ardot.gov and searching for “TAP” or
Arkansas Department of Transportation
Central Office Headquarters
c/o Program Management Division
10324 Interstate 30
Little Rock, AR 72209
Applications can also be mailed to applicants. Request one by calling, faxing, or emailing to the following:
Telephone: 501-569-2481
Telefax: 501-569-2623
Email: LFPA@ardot.gov
Applications must be completed, returned, and received either at the address shown above or emailed to LFPA@ardot.gov by June 1, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time to be considered for funding.
Furthermore, at this time, the Department will continue the open application cycle for Arkansas Recreational Trails Program Motorized projects. These applications may be submitted year-round and will be reviewed on a first come, first serve basis.
