| WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and U.S. Representative Marion Berry (AR-01) today announced that the Arkansas Department of Transportation was awarded two grants totaling $2,388,699 for Crowley's Ridge Parkway Trail.
One grant award totaling $622,174 will be used to support surfacing, drainage, and redesign work on Chalk Bluff Road in Clay County, Arkansas, in order to meet minimum federal design standards. The other grant totaling $1,766,525 will be go the city of Jonesboro for phase II of the Jonesboro Greenway Project. This project will extend a hiking and biking trail from Turtle Creek Mall through the ASU campus and into the downtown Jonesboro area.
“These funds will allow Jonesboro residents to have better access to recreational and historic activities in their community, in addition to supporting local economic growth. I remain committed to ensuring that our state receives the support and resources it needs to stay strong,” said Lincoln.
“This federal funding will help create jobs and encourage economic development in Jonesboro and Clay County while improving the quality of life for local families. This is a smart use of federal dollars to address the needs of local communities,” Pryor said.
"This funding will help residents and visitors have improved access to local attractions and facilities," said Berry. "At the same time this grant money will help create jobs and help support local growth and economic development for the community. I'm glad I was able to work with the delegation to help secure this funding that will greatly benefit the region."
Chalk Bluff Road in Clay County, Arkansas is part of the Crowley's Ridge Parkway, which was designated as a National Scenic Byway by the Federal Highway Administration in 1998. Chalk Bluff was an important transit point between Arkansas and Missouri during the Civil War and was the site of several skirmishes. The battle and the town's history are interpreted along a walking trail and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This project will enhance travelers' experience by improving access to the Chalk Bluff site.
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