City seeks up to $1 million Transportation Alternatives grant for G Avenue streetscape and sidewalks

City staff told Anniston council they will apply for a Transportation Alternatives set-aside grant to fund pedestrian and streetscape improvements on G Avenue from 10th to 11th Street, a block near the bus depot and trailhead. The application is intended to support sidewalk repair, ADA improvements and streetscape work tied to a planned National Park Service renovation of the historic bus depot.

Staff said the grant could provide up to $1 million; the city would be responsible for a 20% local match if fully awarded (approximately $200,000). An engineering firm working with the city is preparing design and cost estimates; staff emphasized that the application is a request for funding and that award and budgeting are separate processes.

Council members raised questions about where the local match would come from and whether the program could be used for other sidewalk needs in wards outside the application area. Staff clarified this grant targets the specified G Avenue block and that separate applications could be pursued later for other corridors. Councilwoman Tulsa highlighted longstanding sidewalk needs in her ward — including a route from Runoff Park School to downtown — and urged prioritizing future sidewalk projects.

Staff said the grant aligns with the Transportation Alternatives program’s original intent to fund sidewalks and pedestrian optimization; ADA upgrades and improved trail connections were cited as design goals. The application will proceed; final design and budget details will be brought to council if the grant is awarded.