Eroding unpaved roads channel rainfall runoff, leading to increased erosion and sediment delivery into Arkansas’s streams, rivers, and lakes.
This sediment buildup can harm both people and nature. It degrades aquatic habitats by filling gravel streambeds, increases costs for treating drinking water, reduces lake capacity, and can impact recreational economies reliant on boating and fishing.
Unpaved roads also pose maintenance challenges. They often require frequent grading, contribute to vehicle damage, and generate significant dust, particularly in rural areas.
Over 85% of Arkansas county roads are unpaved.
The Challenge
Best management practices (BMPs) are widely recognized as the most effective approach to managing unpaved roads while minimizing sediment impacts.
BMPs help reduce erosion by improving road drainage, stabilizing ditches and outlets, and enhancing road durability. While BMPs reduce long-term costs, they often require higher up-front investment and more technical training for effective implementation.
Many road managers may lack the resources or knowledge to fully implement these practices.
The Solution
Established in 2015 through Act 898 of the 90th General Assembly, the Arkansas Unpaved Roads Grant Program provides funding to counties for implementing environmentally responsible unpaved road maintenance projects.
Program Goals
- Fund safe, cost-effective, and environmentally sound projects on dirt and gravel roads with known sediment or dust concerns.
- Train road crews in BMPs for dirt and gravel road maintenance that reduce water and air quality impacts.
- Demonstrate innovative maintenance and construction techniques to promote broader adoption of BMPs.
Program Partners Include:
- Arkansas Department of Agriculture
- Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts
- Arkansas Economic Development Commission – Division of Rural Services
- Arkansas Farm Bureau
- Arkansas Forestry Association
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
- Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department
- Natural Resources Conservation Service
- County Judges
- The Association of Arkansas Counties
- The Nature Conservancy
- University of Arkansas
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The program coordinates multiple funding sources—federal, state, and private—and awards grants through a competitive application process. A one-to-one match (cash or in-kind) is required. Applicants must first complete an approved BMP training workshop.
Project Prioritization
Proposals are reviewed by an advisory committee. Preference is given to projects located in priority watersheds, particularly those supporting endangered species or drinking water sources.
Eligibility and Application
All 75 Arkansas counties are eligible to apply. Applications are due annually in March.
Click here to view the Arkansas Unpaved Roads Program application packet.
Program Contact: Kevin McGaughey
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (501) 682-3908