30 Aug 2022 Conway awarded $24.6 million for greenway trail infrastructure

Posted at 10:00 PMh in News by

The City of Conway has been awarded $24.6 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to construct the Connect Conway greenway trail. The money comes from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program.

Rendering of a shared-used greenway trail facility.

Connect Conway aims to build a safe, equitable and accessible transportation system through investment in 15 miles of bike and pedestrian infrastructure, providing a viable transportation option for many by connecting 10 city parks, seven schools, three major retail areas, three higher education institutions, 14 major employment centers, 16 neighborhoods and other vital community services.

“I’d like to thank our team at the City Hall who put in the work to get the job done successfully,” Mayor Bart Castleberry said. “A number of community stakeholders came together to work on a short time frame on this historic endeavor. I’d especially like to thank Felicia Rogers, Robbie Alberson, Aaron Knight, James Walden and Kurt Jones.”

Most of Conway’s existing bike and pedestrian infrastructure is in the city’s western portion. Connect Conway will create a crucial link between the eastern parts of Conway and west Conway, providing more equitable access to services and opportunities.

Councilman Mark Ledbetter (from left), Congressman French Hill, Councilwoman Shelia Isby, Mayor Bart Castleberry, Councilman Andy Hawkins, Councilwoman Anne Tucker, Councilwoman Shelley Mehl, Councilman David Grimes, Planning and Development Director James Walden, Assistant to the Mayor Felicia Rogers, Grants Administrator Robbie Alberson, and City Engineer Kurt Jones Photo by Bobby M. Kelly III

“The name of the project rings true to what the project is all about: connecting Conway,” said Planning & Development Director James Walden. “This will be a tremendous recreational asset. But it provides a real transportation option for those who can’t, or choose not to, drive.”

“This grant fully funds the project, and it has to be completed by 2027,” Castleberry said.

“This grant will enable us to take a huge step to provide a viable alternative for the people of Conway to vehicular transportation through inter-connectivity between parks, schools, neighborhoods and commercial centers,” said Transportation Director and City Engineer Kurt Jones. “We’ve taken small steps in the past. This is a giant leap.”