Tuscaloosa Nets $800K Federal Grant For Ash Street Sidewalk Project

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The City of Tuscaloosa has been awarded an $800,000 grant from the Federal Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program (TAP) for the Ash Street Sidewalk Project.

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The project will add nearly 800 feet of sidewalk in a high-pedestrian use area of West Tuscaloosa, providing safe access for non-drivers, including children, senior adults and those who use wheelchairs.

“Ash Street is a vital corridor in our community,” Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox said. “The improvements made possible by this grant align with the City’s long-term goals to increase walkability and ensure the safety of all road-users.”

The sidewalk will begin at the Benjamin Barnes Branch YMCA, run along Ash Street, turn north onto Pine Street and end at Elm Street, connecting the Benjamin Barnes YMCA and the McDonald Hughes Community Center with the recently updated Kaulton Park.

“I’m thrilled about the receipt of this TAP grant for the Ash Street Sidewalk Project,” District 2 Councilor Raevan Howard said. “This project will have a resounding impact on the safety, accessibility and quality of life for residents of District Two and the entirety of West Tuscaloosa.”

The project will also add two ADA-compliant handicap parking spaces in the east parking section along Ash Street, which will increase accessibility for Kaulton Park.

The total project cost is estimated at $1,225,978.

The city’s match for the grant is $200,000, and the city will contribute the additional $225,978.

The new Benjamin Barnes YMCA and the upgrades to Kaulton Park were funded through Elevate Tuscaloosa and completed in late 2024.

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