Plans concerning bikes and pedestrians in Van Buren and Alma are in varying stages of development.

The Frontier Metropolitan Planning Organization held a technical committee meeting at Pocola Town Hall at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Cody Schindler, transportation planner for the Frontier MPO, said the organization has been working on Alma and Van Buren bicycle and pedestrian plans.

"Right now, there's a meeting March 28, I believe, at the Alma Community Building that will have some public involvement," Schindler said. "And so we'll present maps, (a) draft plan, and just get the involvement from that."

Van Buren's plan, Schindler said, is incomplete, but the Frontier MPO is working on it. In an email, Schindler said the two separate plans adhere to the regional bike and pedestrian plan. They provide a recommendation of connectivity for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists to travel safely and conveniently. Frontier MPO is developing these plans with the help of the cities.

The technical committee approved two separate resolutions supporting the safety performance targets of the Arkansas Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation during its meeting as well. These resolutions were also approved during the Frontier MPO Policy Board meeting that took place at noon Wednesday.

Schindler also provided an update concerning a letter of interest for PeopleForBikes during the policy board meeting. Schindler explained via email PeopleForBikes is a nonprofit bicycle advocacy group that provides news and educational information.

"On top of that, they provide grants and even lobby in Congress to make every bike ride safer, easier to access and more fun," Schindler said.

Schindler said in a previous Times Record article the Frontier MPO has been working with the cities of Alma and Fort Smith for a potential grant from PeopleForBikes. It hosted a grant workshop Jan. 3, with representatives from both cities and Chaffee Crossing participating.

During Wednesday's meeting, Schindler said the letter of interest is due Friday.

"But I think we all agree that we should probably wait for the next cycle that will be in June just so we can get more information on exactly what project they want to do and just so we can get all our ducks in a row and not waste our time," Schindler said. "That is still open to all the jurisdictions and nonprofits as well. So if you know of anybody, let us know and we can help them out."

The next Frontier MPO technical committee and policy board meetings will take place April 3 at Chaffee Crossing.