The City of Tuckerman has officially applied for funding through the Arkansas Department of Transportation's (ARDOT) Local Bridge Program to help make critical repairs to three city-owned bridges that cross Drainage Ditch No. 10.

These bridges are essential pieces of our local transportation network and are the responsibility of the City to maintain. Each bridge undergoes an annual inspection by ARDOT, for which the City pays an inspection fee. Recent inspections have identified the need for significant maintenance to ensure these structures remain safe and reliable for the traveling public.

Two of the bridges provide important access to Tuckerman School from West Main Street and Estelle Street, while the third bridge is located on First Street. These crossings are heavily traveled by residents, school traffic, emergency responders, and visitors each day.

The ARDOT Local Bridge Program provides federal funding to assist local governments with improving or replacing bridges located on public roads that are not part of the Federal-aid Highway System. Under the program, approved projects are funded with a 90% federal contribution, while the local public agency provides a 10% matching share.

Securing this funding would significantly reduce the financial burden on our community while allowing the City to make much-needed improvements to critical infrastructure that serves residents every day.

The City remains committed to pursuing every available grant and funding opportunity to improve public infrastructure, enhance safety, and be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. We appreciate ARDOT's consideration of our application and will continue to keep the public informed as the process moves forward.