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Livable Communities InitiativeThe Federal Transit Administration's Livable Communities Policy was introduced to demonstrate that the quality of life in cities and towns across America can benefit from positive transit projects. CAT is joining the Federal Transit Administration, and Little Rock and North Little Rock city governments to develop a project that takes advantage of this Policy. The first Livable Communities Policy project is in downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock. It involves streetscape and lighting projects to form improved "Pedestrian Linkages" that will enhance transit use. Other major components include a possible parking deck/intermodal facility in Little Rock and a working museum concept for the "Trolley Barn" where the River Rail streetcars will be housed and maintained. Additional museum and park concepts may be incorporated on the north side of the River.CATA has asked Congress to set aside $15 million for this project. If fully funded, this could also pay for a second Livable Communities Policy project involving College Station. CATA has been involved with the Arkansas State Highway Department, Pulaski County, Metroplan, and the citizens of the College Station community in planning efforts to help rebuild College Station after a devastating tornado in March 1997 ravaged the community of about 1400 people. Plans call for providing better transit linkages to connect people with jobs, education, recreation and health facilities outside and within the community. Some suggested ways of doing this are to coordinate shuttle service with employers, provide enhanced lighting, sidewalk construction, and landscaping for safety and security and to improve bus shelters and other transit amenities in the area. We hope that this project will serve as a model of community participation to stimulate redevelopment throughout College Station and other communities in Central Arkansas. Transit links and more inviting gathering places will continue to flourish as we begin transit-friendly design efforts in downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock. The plan is to apply the livable communities concept to as many areas as possible to encourage a continuous path of well-planned, diverse, accessible, transit and pedestrian-oriented uses. |
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