Finance committee approves $1.2M gift, authorizes USTA grant application for tennis center expansion
Loading...
Summary
The finance committee authorized the city to apply for a $200,000 USTA no-match grant and accepted a $1.2 million donation from the estate of Emily Baker to add three hard courts at the Tuscaloosa Tennis Center; councilors said the city could use tourism capital funds to cover any remaining $200,000 shortfall.
The Tuscaloosa finance committee approved a request to apply for a $200,000 United States Tennis Association no-match grant and accepted a $1.2 million donation from the estate of Emily Baker to expand the Tuscaloosa Tennis Center.
A presenter for the project said Emily Baker "stepped up to the plate" during the original build and left $1,200,000 in her estate to fund three additional hard courts. The presenter added that the city would seek a USTA grant to cover a remaining $200,000 gap; if the grant is unsuccessful the city could use tourism capital funds to cover the difference.
City staff emphasized that the design work and contractor pricing for the three hard courts already exist. "What makes doing this work really easy is that we already have the design work completed," a city speaker said, noting the scope includes post-tension cable hard courts, lighting, fencing, bleachers, sidewalks and related amenities priced at about $1.4 million.
Councilors approved both the grant application and authorization to receive the $1.2 million donation routed through the West Alabama Community Foundation. Council discussion clarified that donor-restricted funds would fund specific exhibit or facility assets and that tourism capital funds (about $200,000 currently available) could be tapped only if the grant request fails.
The committee recorded no additional conditions on the donation; the presenter said naming the facility in honor of Baker may be requested later by the foundation and staff. The grant application is expected to be processed on a rolling monthly schedule; staff estimated an award decision within 30–60 days.
What’s next: The city will submit the USTA application and record the donation in the Elevate fund, then return to council with any further contract or naming requests as needed.
