City of Searcy Awarded $4.2 Million Grant, Largest in City History
The City of Searcy is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) planning grant in the amount of $4,222,900 from the US Department of Transportation. This grant, the largest federal grant ever received by Searcy, will fund the planning and design phase of the Little Red Greenway project, a transformative initiative aimed at improving transportation infrastructure, safety, and community connectivity.
The RAISE grant will enable the City of Searcy to complete the planning and design process to develop the Little Red Greenway project, which would extend the existing 5.5 miles of the Searcy Bike Trail into a comprehensive 21-mile active transportation trails system. This expanded network will connect key areas including Harding University, downtown Searcy, seven schools, nine essential services, medical centers, six parks, major employers, and other vital services throughout the community. It will also establish a connection to the neighboring city of Kensett.
“This grant is a monumental achievement for Searcy,” Mayor Mat Faulkner said. “It not only allows us to improve our transportation infrastructure but also enhances the quality of life for our residents by providing safe and accessible routes throughout the city. We are grateful for the support and are excited to move forward with this transformative project.”
In addition to the expansion of the bike trail, this project will include a Master Street Plan update, creating a Complete Streets Policy, update to Land Use/Zoning Plans, and a Wayfinding Master Plan.
“The Little Red Greenway project is a critical step in addressing transportation inequities and promoting environmental sustainability,” City Planner Richard Stafford said. “By updating our Master Street Plan, creating a Complete Streets Policy, and improving Land Use and Zoning Plans, we are creating a more connected and equitable community.”
The idea for the Little Red Greenway emerged from the master planning process that the City recently completed. City employees worked with engineering firm Crafton Tull to develop the 144-page document for the application process that was submitted in February. Community partners and stakeholders were also instrumental in the process, taking part in several focus groups designed to solicit public input and providing letters of support for the application.
“Receiving this grant is a major achievement, which was only possible through a true team effort between the city and Crafton Tull, who were indispensable partners in this process,” Grant Coordinator Debbie Smith said. “We also had strong community support and the input from our stakeholders was critical in developing a proposed project that was truly reflective of community needs and priorities.”
Once the planning and design process is completed with these funds, the City will be able to apply for the RAISE capital grant of up to $25 million to implement the project.
The Little Red Greenway project aims to create a safe and efficient active transportation network that supports mobility, economic development, and community connectivity, while also promoting environmental sustainability and improving the overall quality of life for residents of Searcy and Kensett.
For more information on the Little Red Greenway project and updates on its progress, please visit cityofsearcy.org.
