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State increases grant to $1.5M for Highway 67 bike-trail project; city awaiting cost estimate
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Summary
Council discussed replacing a prior $1M grant with a $1.5M Alabama Department of Conservation grant for a bike trail from Country Club Road to the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Welcome Center; staff said they are awaiting a cost estimate from consultant Purott McAnally before finalizing the agreement and noted the grant is not a match grant.
City staff told the council that the Alabama Department of Conservation grant for the Highway 67 bike-trail project has increased to $1.5 million after the intervention of Senator Orr.
Staff recalled the council had previously approved a $1 million agreement and said the additional $500,000 brings the total state award to $1.5 million for the planned trail from Country Club Road to the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Welcome Center. Staff said they do not yet have a completed cost estimate from consultant Purott McAnally and that they previously considered waiting for that estimate before signing the agreement; staff added that once the signed agreement is submitted the state will issue an initial payment.
Staff emphasized that the grant is not a match grant and that any costs above the awarded amount would be the city’s responsibility. Council members expressed support and said they saw no need to withhold signature; staff noted they expect approval from the appropriate state agency.
