The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded Alabama two Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grants, which total $18,453,139, to fund efforts for infrastructure improvements in Alabama – one for the city of Tuscaloosa and the second for Auburn University, Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Alabama, announced.
“I am very pleased that Alabama will receive more than $18 million for local infrastructure improvements through DOT’s RAISE Grant Program. These are worthy projects that support increased safety and economic growth opportunity for communities in our state. The livelihood of rural areas in Alabama relies on our core infrastructure, and any enhancements to that will undoubtedly benefit the area for years to come,” said Shelby.
The RAISE grant for the city of the Tuscaloosa will provide $17,149,167 for the Tuscaloosa University Boulevard Corridor Project, which aims to improve safety and accessibility throughout West Central Alabama. The project includes constructing transportation improvements, technology upgrades, and storm-water drainage along Tuscaloosa’s University Boulevard corridor and is comprised of seven components including curb, gutter, and drainage construction; utility installation; adding bike lanes; and reconfiguring the roadway to prioritize the well-being of pedestrians.
The RAISE grant, in the amount of $1,303,972, has been awarded to Auburn University for STEP UP Alabama, and the grant will fund community outreach and subsequent construction plans for pedestrian improvement projects at 11 sites within 10 communities in Alabama’s rural Black Belt region. The project sites were selected due to the existence of nearby public housing, the number of pedestrian trip generators, and the relative absence of adequate pedestrian infrastructure.
The DOT RAISE grant program awards funding annually for important transportation and infrastructure projects across the nation. The program provides an opportunity for the department to invest in road, rail, transit, and port projects that promise to achieve national objectives. Previously known as the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development and Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Discretionary Grants, Congress has dedicated nearly $8.9 billion for twelve rounds of national infrastructure investments to fund projects that have a significant local or regional impact. The Transportation Department uses a rigorous merit-based process to select projects with exceptional benefits, explore ways to deliver projects faster and save on construction costs, and make needed investments in our nation’s infrastructure.
