Council authorizes TAP grant applications for Medical District and 20 Second Avenue pedestrian work

The Meridian City Council voted 5-0 to authorize submission of two Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant applications to the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT): a $970,500 application for Medical District Phase 2 pedestrian improvements and a $1,200,000 application for a 20 Second Avenue streetscape and pedestrian improvements project. City staff described the Medical District Phase 2 application as an opportunity to submit for MDOT funding. For the 20 Second Avenue project staff said the application would enhance the corridor between Front Street and Eighth Street, tying together prior projects, correcting ADA issues, adding street lighting and streetscape elements. A staff member noted the local match requirement is 20 percent and said the match funds would “in all likelihood” come from the city’s internet sales tax. Councilmembers discussed priorities for future TAP applications if these are not funded; one councilmember asked that the area near West Hill where children walk to school be considered for a future application. The council approved both grant‑application authorizations by a 5-0 vote. The transcript does not record MDOT’s response, whether the city will proceed with final design or right‑of‑way work before award, or a timeline for grant decisions.