The Move Fort Smith Active Transportation Master Plan is a plan that provides guidance for improving community mobility in Fort Smith. The plan seeks to promote walking, biking, and rolling through developing infrastructure such as shared-use paths, rehabilitated alleyways, sidewalks, and bike lanes. Along with infrastructure development, Move Fort Smith also gives recommendations for safety enhancements, public health programming, mobility-friendly policies, and strategies for implementation.

No; if the Move Fort Smith Active Transportation Plan is adopted by the City of Fort Smith Board of Directors, it would serve as a guiding framework rather than a legally binding obligation to build all recommended infrastructure or implement all suggested policies. The plan’s adoption signals the city's commitment to the goals and recommendations it outlines, but it does not legally mandate the construction of every project or policy implementation listed. The implementation of the plan will depend on funding availability, further approvals by the Board of Directors, and project prioritization.

No, the Move Fort Smith plan does not advocate for taking away personal vehicles. Instead, it aims to expand transportation options by improving infrastructure for walking, biking, and public transit. The plan seeks to create a more balanced and connected transportation system that allows people to choose the mode of travel that best suits their needs—whether that’s driving, biking, walking, or using public transportation.

The emphasis on active transportation infrastructure, such as bike lanes, sidewalks, and trails, is about providing safer, more accessible alternatives for those who wish to walk or bike. However, the plan does not discourage the use of personal vehicles or seek to restrict access to cars; it recognizes that cars are and will continue to be a primary mode of transportation for many residents.

In summary, the Move Fort Smith plan promotes transportation equity and accessibility, but it does not call for eliminating or reducing access to personal vehicles.

1. Access to Open Space and Parks: During public input sessions, the top desired destination residents listed that they would like to walk or bike to was a park(s). Creating safe connections to the city’s parks will enhance the quality of life for all residents.

2. School-aged Children in Poverty: Data from the 2022 Census Bureau of school-aged children living in a household below the poverty line has informed city planners of areas that may have the highest need for mobility options.

3. School Walk Accessibility: Fort Smith Public Schools have Parent Transportation/Walk Zones that extend for a 2-mile radius around each school. In most cases, no bus services are provided within these zones. Therefore, it is critical that there are safe and connected routes for children to have the option of walking and biking to school.

4. Direct or Enhances Access to Employment Centers: A top priority destination that residents at public input sessions indicated as a desired connection was the workplace. There are many large employers in the City of Fort Smith, and it is important to create safe and connected routes for employees to ride or walk to work.

5. Connection to Transit Service:

6. Project readine

1. Private funding sources (philanthropies, property developers, corporate

sponsorships)

2. Public funding sources (municipal budget)

3. State and Federal funding sources (TAP, RTP, RAISE, and others)

No, if the City of Fort Smith chooses to use state and federal grants to develop mobility infrastructure, it will not lose control of its property ownership rights. Typically, when cities use such grants, they must comply with certain conditions or regulations tied to the funding, but these do not transfer ownership of city property to state or federal entities. Instead, the city remains in control of its land and infrastructure.

Grant funding might come with requirements related to the specific use or maintenance of the infrastructure for a designated period, or adherence to certain guidelines like accessibility standards, environmental regulations, or safety features. However, these conditions are generally designed to ensure that the funded projects meet the intended public purpose, not to strip the city of ownership or control.

The maintenance of new greenways proposed in the Move Fort Smith plan would likely involve a combination of city resources, strategic partnerships, and possibly community involvement. Greenways typically require ongoing care to ensure they remain safe, clean, and accessible for public use. Move Fort Smith recommends allocating $5,000 per mile of new greenway.

The Move Fort Smith plan recommends slowing vehicular speeds on some streets to improve safety, enhance the livability of neighborhoods, and create a more balanced transportation environment. Slower speeds can benefit the community by reducing the likelihood and severity of crashes, while also making neighborhoods quieter, safer, and more pleasant for residents.

The Move Fort Smith plan is being proposed at this time for several key reasons, reflecting the city's growing needs and strategic priorities:

1. Addressing Safety Concerns: Fort Smith, like many cities, has seen safety challenges on its streets, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists. The plan is being introduced as part of the broader Vision Zero goal to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2050. By proposing a more comprehensive approach to transportation safety, Move Fort Smith seeks to reduce accidents and make streets safer for all users.

2. Supporting Health and Wellness: With rising public health concerns, the plan encourages active transportation (walking, biking) as part of a strategy to promote healthier lifestyles. As more people look for ways to stay active and combat issues like obesity, having infrastructure that supports these activities is critical.

3. Economic Growth and Revitalization: Fort Smith is looking to improve the vibrancy and attractiveness of the city, which could stimulate economic development. By improving mobility and creating more inviting streets and public spaces, the plan aims to attract businesses, visitors, and residents, ultimately boosting the local economy.

4. Leveraging Funding Opportunities: The timing of the plan aligns with opportunities for state and federal funding, such as grants from programs like the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP). By having a well-developed plan in place, the city is better positioned to secure these funds to support infrastructure projects.

The Move Fort Smith plan was developed by the City of Fort Smith in collaboration with various stakeholders and partners. This effort involved multiple entities to ensure the plan addressed the city’s unique needs and aspirations. The development process included:

1. City Departments: Various city departments, such as Community Mobility, the Planning Department, the Parks & Recreation Department, the Streets & Traffic Control Department, Fort Smith Transit, and the Engineering Department all provided valuable guidance that helped inform the Move Fort Smith plan.

2. Consultants and Urban Planning Experts: The City of Fort Smith hired several external consultants to provide expertise in urban planning, transportation engineering, and active transportation infrastructure development. The consulting team consisted of Laneshift, LLC, Mickle Griffin Engineering, and the Trailblazers.

3. Public Input and Community Engagement: Community members, local businesses, and advocacy groups were involved through public meetings, workshops, surveys, and other forums. This helped to provide input on the challenges and opportunities experienced in Fort Smith’s current transportation system. Public feedback helped ensure the plan reflected the needs and desires of the residents.

4. Partnership with Fort Smith's Regional Transportation Planning Agency: While the plan was city-led, it involved a key partnership with Fort Smith's regional transportation planning agency, the Frontier Metropolitan Planning Organization. This partnership helped the City of Fort Smith to align with state and federal funding opportunities for transportation and infrastructure development.