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 Delta Heritage Trail in southeast Arkansas trail through its Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Discretionary Grant Program.

“This grant will achieve a goal 30-years in the making,” said Gov. Asa Hutchinson. “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.”

“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,” said Secretary of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism Stacy Hurst. “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.”

In July, members of the congressional delegation advocated for RAISE grant funding for the project in a letter to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.

“This investment in southeast Arkansas will connect communities, provide recreational opportunities, spark tourism and build economic momentum in the area,” said U.S. Sen. John Boozman. “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.”