Southwest Trail Location Public Hearing

Pulaski, Saline, and Garland Counties, in coordination with the Arkansas Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration, is conducting a virtual location public hearing to present and discuss the preferred alternative for the Southwest Trail (bicycle and pedestrian path) connecting the City of Hot Springs with the City of Little Rock.

Virtual Meeting: July 12 to August 26

The virtual hearing will be hosted on this site beginning Sunday, July 12, 2020 and ending Wednesday, August 26, 2020.

The public is invited and encouraged to visit anytime during the scheduled dates to view the project information and offer comments. Project information can be emailed or mailed upon request.

The virtual location public hearing (no in-person meeting) will include a pre-recorded presentation, the Environmental Assessment (EA), study information, exhibits, an interactive map, and comment form.

Phone Number

Anyone with limited internet access, wants to submit a recorded oral comment, or has general questions or comments regarding the study or virtual location public hearing may call (501) 823-0730. Comments must be submitted by August 26 to be included in the official record.

Written Comments

Persons wishing to submit written statements or other exhibits may submit them by mail, email, or online comment form as described on the Submit a Comment page. Comments must be submitted by August 26 to be included in the official record.

Study Description

Pulaski, Saline, and Garland counties, in coordination with the Arkansas Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration, are studying location alternatives for the Southwest Trail. The purpose is to provide a connection to Hot Springs National Park, the Old River Bridge on the Saline River, the Little Rock Central High School Historic Site, and the Arkansas River Trail System that allows for pedestrians and bicyclists to safely enjoy outdoor recreation while providing an economic stimulus to the local and regional economies.

The purpose of the Environmental Assessment (EA) is to identify a preferred trail alignment that minimizes the negative impacts to the natural and social environment while addressing the needs of the project to the greatest extent possible.

Special Accommodations

Anyone needing project information or special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is encouraged to contact Jon Hetzel at 501-823-0730, email PublicInvolvement@GarverUSA.com or mail to 4701 Northshore Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72118. Hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Arkansas Relay System at (Voice/TTY 711). Requests should be made at least four days prior to the public hearing end date.

For inquiries about agency notices of nondiscrimination, please contact PublicInvolvement@GarverUSA.com. Free language assistance for Limited English Proficient individuals is available upon request.

Notice of Nondiscrimination: The Arkansas Department of Transportation (Department) complies with all civil rights provisions of federal statutes and related authorities that prohibit discrimination in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Therefore, the Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, age, national origin, religion (not applicable as a protected group under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Title VI Program), disability, Limited English Proficiency (LEP), or low-income status in the admission, access to and treatment in the Department's programs and activities, as well as the Department's hiring or employment practices. Complaints of alleged discrimination and inquiries regarding the Department's nondiscrimination policies may be directed to Joanna P. McFadden Section Head - EEO/DBE (ADA/504/Title VI Coordinator), P. 0. Box 2261, Little Rock, AR 72203, (501)569- 2298, (Voice/TTY 711), or the following email address: joanna.mcfadden@ardot.gov

Free language assistance for Limited English Proficient individuals is available upon request.

This notice is available from the ADA/504/Title VI Coordinator in large print, on audiotape and in Braille.

ARDOT Job No. 061562