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Gadsden mayor unveils $140 million bond package, pledges infrastructure upgrades and jobs
Summary
Mayor Ford used the State of the City address to outline a $140 million bond-backed project list — from a new City Hall and athletic complex to road relocations and ADA upgrades — and said federal grants and increased local revenues will help pay for the work.
Gadsden City Mayor Ford laid out a $140 million program of capital projects Tuesday night, saying the city will use bond financing and federal grants to pay for new facilities, road relocations and neighborhood improvements that he expects will spur jobs and development.
The mayor described a strategy that combines bond proceeds, year‑to‑year capital funds and federal appropriations. "We decided as a council ... to do $140,000,000 in projects," Mayor Ford said, adding that the city had reviewed its finances with bond advisors and could borrow more if needed. He told residents revenues have risen since the administration took office and said sales‑tax‑designated capital funds (referred to in the presentation as the "3.23/3.40" funds) will be used to service the new debt.
Why it matters: The package funds a range of projects the mayor said will improve quality of life and attract visitors and businesses — from a new City Hall to public safety equipment and large recreational facilities — and is intended to increase long‑term sales tax receipts and job…
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