Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (Green Networks)

The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Green Networks Pass-Through Grant Application is administered by Metroplan, a regional planning organization serving Central Arkansas. This program is part of broader climate-focused initiatives designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and enhance long-term environmental resilience across the region. Metroplan leverages this funding to support projects that preserve, restore, and expand natural and built green infrastructure systems, particularly those connected to the Central Arkansas Regional Greenways network. The grant program supports four primary project types: land preservation, land restoration, tree planting, and trail construction. Land preservation funding is intended for the acquisition of right-of-way or conservation easements that protect open space and environmentally sensitive areas. Land restoration funding supports activities that improve ecosystem function and carbon sequestration, including invasive species removal, reforestation, erosion control, and biodiversity enhancement using native plants. Tree planting funding focuses on urban and community-based planting efforts, including materials, site preparation, and maintenance activities. Trail construction funding is aimed at expanding paved, active transportation pathways that connect communities and reduce reliance on vehicle travel. Eligible applicants include city and county governments and their departments within Central Arkansas, as well as state agencies, quasi-governmental entities, nonprofit organizations, and coalitions. Non-governmental applicants must provide a letter of support from the local jurisdiction where the project will be implemented. This eligibility structure ensures that funded projects align with local planning priorities and have community backing. The application process is structured as a rolling submission, meaning applications are accepted and reviewed on a continuous, first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Applicants must provide standard project information including organizational details, contact information, funding request amounts, and project type selection. For trail construction projects, additional requirements apply, including a minimum of 60 percent design completion at the time of application and a commitment to meet specific project milestones related to design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction timelines. A cost-sharing requirement applies specifically to trail construction projects, where applicants must contribute at least 20 percent of the total project cost through local funds. This contribution may include costs for design, engineering, right-of-way acquisition, or construction phases. Other project types do not explicitly state a matching requirement in the provided materials, though applicants should be prepared to demonstrate project feasibility and sustainability. Applications are evaluated using a structured scoring system that prioritizes greenhouse gas emissions reduction and cost efficiency, which together account for half of the total score. Additional evaluation criteria include the strength of the project implementation and maintenance plan, the proposed timeline, and the project’s connection to multimodal transportation infrastructure. Metroplan may choose to partially fund projects and aims to distribute funding across the region. Applicants can seek assistance through designated program contacts for both application procedures and technical support. While no fixed deadline is provided due to the rolling nature of the grant, applicants are encouraged to apply promptly. For awarded trail construction projects, strict post-award timelines must be followed, including key milestones for design completion, right-of-way acquisition, and construction initiation between late 2026 and mid-2027.

Focus on maximizing greenhouse gas reduction and cost efficiency, and clearly demonstrate implementation readiness and timeline feasibility