Staff outlines Arkansas River Trail plan near Dillard's; estimated $15$18 million and no current funding

Commissioners asked for an update on changes to the Arkansas River Trail along the Little Rock side through the Cantrell/downtown area. Leland explained the project is being led by the public-works/right-of-way teams, with parks involved because the trail links to park-managed sections.

Leland said public works developed several design options and has shared a finalized plan in public meetings; he offered to circulate the project plans to commissioners on request. He described a routing that runs behind the Baggett House and then in front of Dillard's, including a tunnel under a major intersection and crosswalk accommodations at the next intersection.

"I also heard that the budget was, I think roughly 15 to $18,000,000, and that's not funded right now," Leland said, noting that while plans exist, funding has not been secured. Commissioners discussed signage and wayfinding for the River Trail; staff referenced a long-standing list of locations and suggested focusing on a prioritized set of top signage candidates for early work.

John Landis (bicycle/active-transportation coordinator) was noted as a city contact who facilitates trail meetings and coordinates wayfinding. Staff offered to share design plans and a PowerPoint with commissioners and suggested prioritizing the top 25 signs or wayfinding elements in the first quarter if funding and maintenance resources can be identified.