The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently awarded a $99.9 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) to the Arkansas Tri-Region CPRG Coalition, a collaboration led by Metroplan, the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission and the City of Fort Smith. This grant is part of the EPA’s effort to fund projects aimed at reducing emissions, and it is one of only 25 given nationally. It will benefit projects throughout Central Arkansas, Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas River Valley.
The grant will fund numerous projects designed to sequester and reduce emissions, including initiatives aimed at improving active transportation and transit.
One significant project that will benefit from this grant is the Central Arkansas Regional Greenways, a network of paved paths spanning Pulaski, Saline, Faulkner and Lonoke counties. This network will enhance connectivity, improve air quality, reduce traffic congestion and increase opportunities for physical activity. It will allow all types of active transportation, including biking, walking, scootering and even rollerblading.
Active transportation goes beyond mere travel; it plays a vital role in enhancing community health, promoting environmental sustainability and improving overall quality of life.
Taking active transportation to work is an excellent eco-friendly alternative to conventional transportation. Unlike driving, biking or walking generates zero emissions, reducing air pollution and harmful ground-level ozone, which can cause respiratory issues for vulnerable individuals. As an added bonus, it’s economical.
Active transportation encourages social interaction and community engagement. Walking and biking paths provide opportunities for people to meet and connect, fostering a sense of community. Just greeting your neighbors on your walk to a local restaurant can lead to a better connection with your community.
So get outside and take full advantage of all Central Arkansas has to offer!
Metroplan oversees Ozone Action Days, a program informing people about harmful ground-level ozone caused by pollutants mixing with sunlight. Breathing this ozone can cause chest pain, coughing, throat irritation and congestion.