Planners Seek Grant For Trails

— Regional planners are applying for a grant from the Walton Family Foundation to plan more trails in Northwest Arkansas.

The foundation encouraged the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission to apply for the grant, according to John McLarty, senior planner.

“They made it clear they want to see the Razorback Greenway be the beginning of a trail system, not the end,” McLarty told planners Wednesday at their monthly meeting in Springdale.

The money, if the application is approved, will be used to hire consultants to do a comprehensive bike and trail plan for further expansion of the region’s trail system.

The foundation already made large contributions to build the regional trail system.

The trail, which will connect Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers and Bentonville with a path for pedestrians and bicyclists, is expected to cost $30 million to $40 million. Part of the money is coming from a $15 million Walton Family Foundation grant.

McLarty said planners hope to have the last $10 million in federal money obligated for the trail by mid-June. Once obligated, the money will not be subject to congressional budgeting whims, McLarty said.

The 36-mile trail will be 12 feet wide and paved with asphalt or concrete.

A ground breaking for the project is set for 11 a.m. June 12 in Rogers. A number of local, state and federal dignitaries have been invited to the ceremony.

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