Central Arkansas Regional Transportation Study Area
FFY 2027 Transportation Alternatives Program
Application

DEADLINE for this application is January 9, 2026 at 4:30 PM (CST)

Metroplan receives yearly Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding that it allocates to its member jurisdictions. Any Metroplan member can apply for these funds if the project provides access to the general public.

The TAP funds programs and projects defined as transportation alternatives, including on and off-road pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure; projects that improve active transportation users’ access to public transportation and better mobility; community improvement activities and environmental mitigation; safe routes to school; or construction of boulevards and other roadways largely in the right-of-way of former Interstate System routes or other divided highways.

Local sponsors must provide at least 20% of the eligible project costs in cash. Up to 80% of the costs directly attributed to the project’s construction can be reimbursed. Other Federal funds cannot be used as a match. Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) oversees reimbursement after it issues the sponsor an official Notice to Proceed. The local sponsors must maintain records proving that expenses are legitimate and directly related to the project. This may be in the form of receipts, time sheets, etc.

Applicants are encouraged to submit projects congruent with Metroplan’s Multimodal Infrastructure Guidelines and Central Arkansas Regional Greenways Plan. Projects accommodating active transportation by enhancing local connections to proposed and existing regional trails, bike routes and pedestrian corridors support the goals and policies of CARTS Long Range Metropolitan Transportation Plan.

The Metroplan Board developed the following criteria for its FFY 2027 TAP Call for Projects:

• 5 total awards of $335,000 each

• $83,750 minimum local match is required.
• Full $335,000 amount preferred. Partial awards may be considered.
• 1 application will be accepted per jurisdiction.

• Funding is for design, construction, and cost overruns.

• Projects must serve a transportation purpose. Closed loop recreational trails are not eligible for funding.
• Projects must meet federal, state, and local standards in procurement, design, and project bidding.

• Projects must demonstrate ability to obligate funds in FFY 2027.

• Applications must be received by the Metroplan office prior to the deadline.

 Questions may be addressed to Daniel Holland at dholland@metroplan.org

General Information

Project Overview

Project Location Map: Attach a proposed site plan and vicinity map

• The map(s) should be clear enough to be easily reproducible and should include:
• Project path. The map should clearly show where the project will be located.
• North arrow
• Legend identifying any other items on the map (i.e. existing infrastructure, previous project phases, etc

 

Local Commitment and Project Funding 

Link to Surface Transportation (15 Points)

All projects must link to the surface transportation system. A project must have a strong link to the surface transportation system to compete for this funding.

Previous Federal Funding

If this project (or phase of this project) has previously received Federal TAP or STBG funding (ARDOT or Metroplan), please describe the status of the project(s). (250 character max)

Project Development (25 Possible Points)

Project Background and Benefits (60 Possible Points)

1. Describe the project in detail. What improvements are proposed? What steps are being taken to ensure the project promotes multimodal transportation and design aspirations consistent with the Metropolitan Transportation Plan and CARTS Multimodal Infrastructure Guidelines? Include project limits street facility names and project cross-sections. (1000 character limit) - 20 points

2. Describe the purpose of the project and how it will benefit the affected communities. What user groups will be positively affected? If the project has a larger regional benefit, please describe this connection. If this is a Safe Routes to School eligible project, include what schools would benefit. (1000 character limit) - 20 points

3. Describe any planning or public input process used to develop this project. If the proposed project is in an existing bicycle/pedestrian plan, street plan, master plan, or other long-range plan, please identify this as well. Describe how this project will connect to existing infrastructure to advance access to the regions active transportation network? (1000 character limit) - 20 points

Sponsor Authorization and Certification

To be completed by the chief executive officer (Mayor, City Manager, County Judge, etc.)

By signing below, I attest that the information contained in this application is truthful and correct to the best of my knowledge and that the provision of false or misleading information can lead to the withdrawal of funding. I do hereby certify that I will comply with all regulations for submittal of plans and specifications. Additionally, I certify that local matching funds are available for the project. I agree a resolution has been adopted for this project (or is scheduled).

METROPLAN NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

Metroplan complies with all civil right provisions of federal statutes and related authorities that prohibit discrimination in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Therefore, Metroplan does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, or income status, in admission or access to and treatment in Metroplan's programs and activities, as well as Metroplan's hiring or employment practices. Complaints of alleged discrimination and inquiries regarding Metroplan's nondiscrimination policies may be directed to Sydney Dozier, Title VI/ADA/504 Coordinator, 501 West Markham Street, Suite B, Little Rock, AR 72201, (501) 372-3300, or the following e-mail address: sdozier@metroplan.org (Hearing and speech impaired may dial 711).

This notice is available from the Title VI/ADA/504 Coordinator in large print and on audiotape. Free language assistance for Limited English Proficient individuals is available.

FFY 2027 METROPLAN TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM
APPLICATION DUE: January 9, 2026 at 4:30 PM (CST)