Grants include funding for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and other measures to reduce climate pollution.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the Arkansas Tri-Region CPRG Coalition has been selected for a $99,999,999 Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) award for its “Energy and Environment Innovation for the Natural State” proposal. This sizable grant will finance projects across Central Arkansas, Northwest Arkansas, and the Arkansas River Valley, which together represent half of the state’s population. Metroplan was the lead agency for the grant submittal, and this grant was one of only 25 funded nationally.
Metroplan Board President, Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde, stated “I am thrilled the efforts of Metroplan, Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission, and the City of Fort Smith have been recognized with the prestigious EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant. This monumental award is not just a testament to our commitment to environmental stewardship but also a call to action. We stand at the forefront of an ambitious journey to foster a sustainable future for our community. Together, with the EPA, we will implement innovative solutions that will significantly improve our environment and quality of life. We are honored to be among the select few to spearhead these transformative programs.”
The award will fund projects to sequester and reduce emissions by protecting and restoring natural areas, increasing efficiency, and improving access to active transportation and transit. Projects such as LED streetlights and EV charging will reduce emissions from the transportation sector, and building efficiency funding will support net-zero technologies for public and commercial buildings. Projects will be designed to ensure equitable access to the environmental benefits funded by the grant.
Metroplan Executive Director, Casey Covington, said “By preserving critical outdoor spaces, enhancing active transportation, and demonstrating innovative energy solutions, the CPRG Implementation funding will be transformative for the Natural State and our state’s growing economy and tourism. Our coalition’s selection for an award speaks to the benefits of partnerships among and within regions to achieve common energy and environment innovation goals.”
The coalition partnered with over 50 communities, agencies, and organizations across three regions to develop projects and programs that are both effective and aligned with public and stakeholder priorities. The partnerships built through this process and the support and enthusiasm for this work are expected to catalyze future innovation in the Natural State.
“This CPRG grant is great news for Northwest Arkansas, and we truly appreciate the partnership with Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission, Metroplan, and Fort Smith. As Fayetteville begins implementation of our recently adopted Climate Action Plan this grant brings us one step closer to achieving nature-based solutions at the city and regional level,” said Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan.
The support of the State of Arkansas and Arkansas’ federal Congressional delegation was essential to securing this historic investment. The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment’s statewide Energy and Environment Innovation planning activities made organizations like Metroplan eligible to apply for implementation funding.
Mayor George B. McGill of Fort Smith stated, “We are honored to be selected to receive a portion of this vital grant from the EPA. This recognition underscores our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The funds from this award will be instrumental in advancing key projects within our Energy & Environment Innovation Plan. These initiatives will not only improve the quality of life for our residents but also have a positive impact on our environment, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for the City of Fort Smith and the Natural State.”
Most of the Northwest Arkansas projects were first identified in the Northwest Arkansas Open Space Plan and the Northwest Arkansas Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan. Creating the plans were projects of the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission, and they were both funded by the Walton Family Foundation.
“This award is a game changer,” Springdale Mayor Doug Sprouse emphasized. “The projects identified in the grant will be a huge leap forward toward keeping the Natural State ‘natural’ and the ‘green’ in the Razorback Greenway. This grant will allow Springdale to continue the transformation and preservation of the Spring Creek corridor located in the heart of the city to ensure our residents and visitors can enjoy the benefits of connected outdoor spaces well into the future.”
(lead image courtesy of Arkansas Department of Park, Heritage and Tourism)
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Where did this grant money come from?
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants were authorized under Section 60114 of the Inflation Reduction Act.