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Surface Transportation Block Grant / Carbon Reduction Program

Metroplan serves a crucial conduit function—managing federal STBG/CRP dollars from ARDOT and directing them toward strategically chosen local projects in Central Arkansas. With annual allocations in the $17 million range, Metroplan supports both traditional roadway needs and the region’s growing emphasis on multimodal and active transportation infrastructure.

Summary of Funded Projects
The Southwest bicycle pedestrian trail under construction

How Metroplan Distributes Funds

  1. Flow of Funds
    • Federal STBG/CRP monies are initially authorized by Congress and routed through ARDOT.
    • ARDOT then suballocates these funds directly to Metroplan, in line with federal‑aid guidelines.
  2. Local Grant Program
    • Metroplan issues a competitive grant process for its member jurisdictions.
    • Local governments submit proposals for various transportation projects—ranging from intersection safety upgrades to bike‑pedestrian trails, greenway corridors, and transit shelters.
    • Project applications are scored using criteria that balance safety, congestion relief, multimodal access, and design quality—especially to advance regional active‑transportation goals.
  3. Award Oversight and Implementation
    • Metroplan’s Board approves the grants and oversees fund allocation.
    • Recipients (cities or counties) manage project execution, with Metroplan and ARDOT providing oversight during construction or planning phases.

Funding Levels

Each year, Metroplan distributes approximately $17 million in STBG funds—flowing from ARDOT to the MPO, then to local governments for regional transportation improvements. A 20% local cash match is required for all Metroplan-funded STBG projects.

Metroplan awards substantial STBG/CRP funds annually:

2024: $17.35 million granted to 9 cities and 2 counties
2025: $16.89 million granted to 7 cities and 3 counties
Neighborhood from above

Program Highlights

These grant distributions have supported a wide variety of projects, such as:

  • Roadway improvements (e.g., Salem Road in Conway, Markham Street in Little Rock)
  • Multi-use trail and greenway construction and design (e.g., Southwest Trail, Bryant Parkway Trail)
  • Intersection safety upgrades and signal installations
  • Creation of bike‑pedestrian infrastructure alongside major corridors and transit routes
Technical Report – Central Arkansas Regional Greenways Plan