The Clinton Presidential Center announced today that the U.S. Economic Development Administration will provide a $2 million grant for the renovation of the Rock Island Railroad Bridge just north of the Clinton School.
Secured by the Clinton Foundation and the City of Little Rock, the funds are the final piece to move forward with the conversion of the structure into a pedestrian bridge accessible for both walkers and bicyclists.
Along with the funding secured by the Clinton School to “green” Sturgis Hall, the school’s new River Market Campus and plans to create the Bill Clark Wetlands in Clinton Park, the bridge is another attraction for the Clinton School’s unique campus setting.
“The conversion of the historic railroad bridge into a pedestrian pathway will give Central Arkansas a distinctive landmark and will complete one of the best urban trail systems in the country,” said President Bill Clinton in a news release. “By connecting important destinations, including my Presidential Center, the bridge will also support revitalization efforts in downtown Little Rock.”
Dean Skip Rutherford began the process of building the bridge when he was chairman of the Clinton Foundation.