“Metroplan acts as a voice of regionalism and has worked as the council of local governments and Metropolitan Planning Organization for central Arkansas since 1955.”

Energy and Environment Innovation
Comprehensive Action Plan

EEI Implementation Grant

Learn about Metroplan’s Energy and Environment Innovation Implementation Grant, including funding opportunities for Central Arkansas.

metroplan.org/eei-grant

Metroplan is currently drafting a regional Energy and Environment Innovation (EEI) Comprehensive Action Plan (CAP) Supplement for submission to the Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment. The plan will help organizations pursue projects to improve Central Arkansas’ economy and environment.

The CAP Supplement will consist of:

  • Regional greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory and projections
  • Regional GHG reduction targets
  • Additional GHG reduction measures with implementation details
  • Program design
  • Review of authority to implement
  • Funding availability
  • Low-income and disadvantaged community (LIDAC) benefits analysis
  • Workforce needs analysis

Focus Areas

Central Arkansans told us they want to see five main projects in their area. These ideas are a great start, but we need to know more about what residents want! Where should new bike paths be built? Are there high-traffic areas in desperate need of electric vehicle chargers? Click on the projects that are most important to you to share your input.

 

1.Build Regional Greenways and Preserve Open Space. 2. Increase Energy Savings, Independence, and Resilience 3. Improve Waste Services 4. Use the Land We Already Have and Fill the Vacant Lots. 5. Expand Electric Vehicle Charging
View the Recording from the Virtual Forum on February 27 View the Recording form the  Virtual Forum on March 13 Register for the Waste Virtual Forum on March 20 Register for the Infill Virtual Forum on April 3 Register for the EV Virtual Forum on April 17

 

Project Background

Metroplan is collaborating with state and regional agencies to develop the Arkansas Energy and Environment Innovation (EEI) plan, which will guide investments and incentives to keep the state’s air clean, protect its natural resources, and electrify economic development in Arkansas.

Funding for this plan is provided by a Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) from the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment’s Office of Air Quality received a four-year, $3,000,000 CPRG planning grant in Summer 2023. The state subawarded $440,000 each to Metroplan, the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission (NWARPC), and the City of Fort Smith to complete regional supplements to the statewide plan for Central Arkansas, Northwest Arkansas, and the Arkansas River Valley.

Information about the statewide plan is available on the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment’s website.

MILESTONES    
Central Arkansas EEI Priority Action Plan Regional Supplement submitted to Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment December 1, 2023
Arkansas EEI Priority Action Plan Due to EPA March 1, 2024
$99.9 CPRG Implementation Grant Application Submitted
(joint application between Metroplan, NWARPC, and City of Fort Smith)		 April 1, 2024
CPRG Implementation Grant Awarded to Arkansas Tri-Region (lead agency: Metroplan) July 2024
Central Arkansas EEI Comprehensive Action Plan Regional Supplement Due to Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment August 1, 2025
Arkansas EEI Comprehensive Action Plan Due to EPA December 1, 2025  
EEI Status Report Regional Supplement Due to State March 1, 2027  
Arkansas EEI Status Report Due to EPA July 5, 2027  

 

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