On Wednesday, Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford announced the city had been awarded an $800,000 grant from federal transportation funds to improve sidewalks downtown.
“We are thankful to Governor (kay) Ivey, the Department of Transportation, and city administrative staff for bringing more of our tax dollars back to Gadsden,” Ford said. “As we undergo our city’s first comprehensive plan in five decades, we learn how important walkability infrastructure is to thriving communities. With these funds, we will continue to improve access and walkability downtown for residents, shoppers, and visitors.”
The notification from Ivey cited specific improvements along Chestnut Street and 6th Street.
The project funds are for fiscal year 2024, and the city’s engineering department will oversee the project.
It is a continuation of phased improvements to previous sidewalk projects in the area in recent years.
“Any time we can add a grant dollar to the books, our local tax dollars go further, so we are aggressively pursuing grants just like this,” Ford said.