Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) along with Congressmen Rick Crawford (AR-1) and Bruce Westerman (AR-4) applauded federal investment to complete the Delta Heritage Trail.
The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $20,482,208 to the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism to construct the final 13.4-mile section of the southeast Arkansas trail through its Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Discretionary Grant Program.
The trail has a lot of canopies and a beautiful trail bed for hiking, cycling, and trail running.“This grant will achieve a goal 30-years in the making. The completion of the Delta Heritage Trail will provide bikers and hikers yet another beautiful view of the Natural State and will highlight the beauty of The Delta. I appreciate the advocacy of our federal delegation in winning this grant. This is another great project to enhance tourism in southeast Arkansas,” said Hutchinson
“This investment in southeast Arkansas will connect communities, provide recreational opportunities, spark tourism and build economic momentum in the area. Thanks to the decades of dedication by local and state leaders, we were able to demonstrate the importance of this project that will greatly benefit communities in southeast Arkansas,” Boozman said.
“Completing the Delta Heritage Trail will both help preserve the important history of the Natural State and bring new jobs and opportunities to the Delta. I’m glad to see Arkansas receive such a meaningful investment in rural America,” said Cotton.
The Yancopin Bridge near Watson, AR will become a bike-pedestrian bridge.“Our rich heritage and scenic landscapes make Arkansas the “Natural State” and draw lovers of the outdoors from across the nation. The Delta Heritage Trail provides a safe pathway for folks to enjoy the unique wildlife that can only be experienced in southeast Arkansas. This grant is critical to completing this long-awaited project and will further stimulate the local economy,” Crawford said.
“I am elated to help deliver this vital grant to the Arkansas Delta. These funds will complete the final stretch of the Delta Heritage Trail, encouraging economic growth by creating tourism opportunities for our delta communities. I am grateful to the Department of Transportation for awarding this significant grant to our state,” Westerman said.
“At a time when outdoor recreational opportunities are more vital than ever, this grant will enable Arkansas State Parks to complete the construction of the entire 87-mile length of Delta Heritage Trail State Park by 2025. This grant will enable State Parks to leverage the previous commitment from the Walton Family Foundation to generate new recreational and tourism opportunities from Lexa to Arkansas City, making a significant impact on the economy, quality of life, and well-being of the Arkansas Delta,” said Secretary of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Stacy Hurst.
This map shows the completed and under-construction sections of the trail.In July, members of the congressional delegation advocated for RAISE grant funding for the project in a letter to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.
Delta Heritage Trail Awarded $20.5 Million DOT Grant. All photos from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
8 Responses
You should be aware when I clicked on your map photo I was taken to some kind of porn site with cartoon nude women.
Love your trail, can’t wait to ride it.
Thank you for completing it.
This has been fixed. We got hacked. All better now.
what about your Highway, very unsafe?jerry
This is fantastic! Can’t wait till it’s ready.
Thsnk you President Biden ??
It’s really sad when our road conditions are so bad that it’s dangerous for kids to travel safely to school on their buses but we find it so important to spend this kind of money for a bicycle trail. I would love to see the people who are making these decisions come down and take a look at the difference in a necessity and a want.
Can’t wait to explore this trail in southeast AR!! No better way to see a little bit of God’s creation than moving slowly by foot or wheel along a trail. We need more trails.
These type of projects will only enhance the Arkansas experience. I have never been to this trail and look forward riding in the future. While on the trail and in the area, I will spend money and enjoy this part of the state. Jacob thanks for the excellent article. Arkansas is becoming a national bike riders destination.