NORTH LITTLE ROCK—On September 21, 2023, Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment (E&E), Metroplan of Central Arkansas, Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission and the City of Fort Smith will host a public planning meeting to introduce and explore innovations and opportunities in the transportation sector for the Arkansas Energy and Environment Innovation Plan.

Discussion items will include lower emission transportation technologies, expanding transportation options and traffic management.

The meeting will be held at the Wyndham Riverfront in North Little Rock from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. This event will begin with a networking lunch, followed by expert panel presentations and breakout discussions with all in attendance. Registration to this event is free, but you must register in advance to attend as seating is limited. To register and view the meeting agenda, please visit the event registration page.  

Those unable to attend in person may watch the livestream on E&E’s YouTube channel or to participate virtually, please follow this EEI webinar link beginning at noon on September 21.

E&E and its partners are developing an Arkansas Energy and Environment Innovation (EEI) plan that will enable Arkansas state and local government agencies to compete for $4.6 billion in federal implementation grants provided under the Section 60114 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The EEI planning development process is funded through a $3 million grant from USEPA authorized under IRA.

The EEI Transportation Sector meeting is the first in a series of public education and outreach events related to different sectors to be held across the state. Feedback from the meeting will inform the EEI partners about opportunities, challenges and priorities for investment in transportation infrastructure and practices that reduce emissions in Arkansas. For more information about this effort, upcoming meetings and current status of the project, please visit the EEI page on the E&E website.