Tuscaloosa committee approves change order adding three courts to tennis center; $172,755 shortfall expected

The Tuscaloosa City Public Projects Committee on Jan. 6 approved a change order to the Hall Taylor construction contract that will add three previously unawarded courts to the Tuscaloosa Tennis Center and extend the contract by 180 days.

City staff told the committee the added work will tie new courts and associated sidewalks and turf into the existing facility and include a new concession area. Tim, the city presenter, said the project has already attracted a multiyear slate of events — including the Alabama Senior Olympics and several national opens — and that the extra courts will make larger competitions possible.

“The funds … we received a donation of over 1,200,000.0 from the Emily Baker estate, and we’re using that to fund this work,” Tim said. He reported a remaining shortfall of $172,755 and said staff will apply for a USTA grant that could cover some or all of the gap. “It could be up to $200,000 if awarded,” he added, while noting awards could be lower.

Committee members pressed staff on backup funding if the grant is not awarded. A city staff member recommended using 2022 bond proceeds rather than tourism capital funds because of arbitrage and timing considerations; staff said they would return with a budget amendment to move any grant award from bond contingency into grant funds if an award is received.

Tim said construction crews are already mobilized on site and that most upgrades to the original 10 courts should be complete by the 19th–20th of the month, with the additional courts expected to be finished by June, though surfacing must wait for warmer weather.

After discussion the committee approved the change order by voice vote. Staff will proceed with executing the change order and — if the USTA grant is awarded — return to the committee with a budget amendment to reflect the grant funding.