Pike County Moves Forward on Potential Bike Trail Grant Application

The Pike County Quorum Court met Monday night for their regular monthly meeting, where justices of the peace took steps toward a potential bike trail development project in the county.

During the meeting, Judge Eddie Howard introduced a resolution that would authorize Pike County to apply for and administer a grant through the Arkansas Department of Transportation for the development of bike trails.

The proposal drew interest from those in attendance, including a community member who voiced support for the project but raised questions about where the trails would be located and what type of trails would be developed.

Chamber of Commerce member Jane Fugitt, who presented the resolution, explained that the project is still in its early planning stages and that specific details are still being worked out. She told the court that recent legislation allows for the designation of county road routes connecting trails to local lodging options such as motels and short-term rentals, but mapping those routes will require coordination with cities and counties once plans are approved.

Fugitt also noted that the grant through ARDOT would be structured as an 80/20 matching grant. The matching portion would be funded by Murfreesboro tourism, meaning the county itself would not be responsible for direct costs. She added that there is no set dollar cap on the grant and that the project could be completed in phases.

After discussion, justices of the peace approved a motion to introduce the resolution as read. The measure passed unanimously with a 9-0 vote.