Transportation Alternatives Program & Recreational Trails Program applications now available

The Arkansas Highway Commission has announced that applications for the Arkansas Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and the Arkansas Recreational Trails Program (RTP) are now available. 
TAP and RTP provide federal grant funding to local public agencies for transportation and recreation projects. Both programs operate on a reimbursable basis.
Virtual seminars will occur on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, and Tuesday, March 4, 2025, to discuss TAP and RTP requirements and responsibilities.
The Federal funds available through this program can only be used for the types of projects noted below. This funding cannot be used for improvements to highways.
Eligible TAP projects include, but are not limited to: 
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 
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 projects
Sidewalk improvements, traffic calming, and speed reduction improvements
Pedestrian and bicycle crossing improvements

Non-infrastructure projects such as: 
Public awareness campaigns and outreach
Enforcement, encouragement, and evaluation programs.
Bicycle and Pedestrian education or a walking school bus program near a K-8 school
Pedestrian/Trail Master Plans
Eligible RTP projects include, but are not limited to: 
Improvement of motorized, non-motorized, and multiple-use trails
Development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages
Project applications and registration for both programs, including general project guidelines, may be obtained by visiting www.ardot.gov/TAP or www.ardot.gov/RTP.
Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Additionally, the Department has an ongoing open application cycle for Motorized RTP projects. Applications may be submitted year-round and are reviewed in order of arrival. More information can be found at www.ardot.gov/RTP.