The U.S. Department of Transportation on Wednesday announced that it awarded $48.8 million in grants to two infrastructure projects in Bryant and Russellville.
The department awarded $25 million for a project to reconstruct about 3.6 miles of Old Stagecoach Road in Saline County between Arkansas 183 in Bryant and the Pulaski County line. Plans call for the creation of a shared-use path, continuous sidewalks and storm drainage improvements, along with the completion of utility work along the roadway, the department said in a news release.
A project in Russellville to construct about 13 miles of transportation infrastructure received $23.8 million from the department. The Russellville Connected Trail System project includes multi-use trails and 10-feet side paths that aim to improve access to the industrial district, health care facilities, schools, shopping and recreation in the city.
The funds are a portion of $2.26 billion awarded to projects in all 50 states through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity, or RAISE, grant program. The program supports projects to build and repair roads and bridges, make them safer and more efficient for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, and reduce emissions.
Half of the program’s funding in fiscal 2023 is going to rural areas and the other half to urban areas.
The department said 70% of the grants are going to projects in regions defined as an Area of Persistent Poverty or a Historically Disadvantaged Community.
“Using the funds in President Biden’s infrastructure law, we are helping communities in every state across the country realize their visions for new infrastructure projects,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. “This round of RAISE grants is helping create a new generation of good-paying jobs in rural and urban communities alike, with projects whose benefits will include improving safety, fighting climate change, advancing equity, strengthening our supply chain, and more.”
Demand for the grants was higher than available funds. This year, the Department of Transportation received $15 billion in requests for the $2.26 billion available.
A previous version of this story incorrectly reported that Little Rock had received the grant for the Stagecoach Road project.
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