Mayor Stimpson seeks approval for 'Bring Back Broad Street' Initiative

Jun 2nd, 2015

MOBILE, Ala. - Mayor Sandy Stimpson is seeking a national grant to fund the "Bring Back Broad Street Complete Streets Initiative" to rebuild aging infrastructure, connect citizens to jobs and revitalize historic neighborhoods.

Mayor Stimpson is asking the Mobile City Council today for approval to apply for the U.S. Department of Transportation 2015 Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant.

If awarded the grant, the City of Mobile would receive $13.6 million in federal funding to reconstruct Broad and Beauregard streets. The city would be required to provide a $3.3 million local match.

The project would provide efficient connectivity between residents, the transportation system and major economic employment centers at Brookley Field and downtown Mobile. It would also reconnect neighborhoods currently divided by Broad Street's unbroken 5‐lane expanse of concrete.

"Broad Street is a vital, historic artery that we want to revitalize," said Mayor Stimpson. "This initiative will provide safe, pedestrian and bicycle-friendly access, beautify the streetscape and stimulate economy activity along the Broad Street corridor."

A resolution authorizing the mayor to apply, accept and receive funding for the TIGER grant is included on today's agenda before the Mobile City Council.