City Council Approves $15 Million To Restart Tuscaloosa
The Tuscaloosa City Council has officially approved the Restart Tuscaloosa resolution. It was approved this week with a 5-2 vote.
Many local businesses like Wilhagan's Grille & Tap Room, and Levee Bar & Grill have had to close their doors for good in due to COVID-19. The Restart Tuscaloosa resolution involves a strategic plan to invest $15 million into the city of Tuscaloosa. The money will be invested in public safety, small businesses, neighborhoods, and more. All to help our city recover from COVID-19. According to The City Of Tuscaloosa, the Restart Tuscaloosa plan will give money to fire and police departments, resurfacing streets in neighborhoods, and sidewalk rehabilitation. Below is a more detailed breakdown of the approved plan.
$4 million into the City’s police and fire departments for the purchase of equipment, vehicles and technology;
$7 million into neighborhood street resurfacing and curb/gutter and sidewalk rehabilitation;
$1 million into the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Relief Fund;
and $3 million into Tuscaloosa’s experience economy (live music events, festivals and sports).
Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox spoke about the new plan saying, “The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the economy on an international scale, and every local municipality in the U.S. will feel this impact for years to come." Mayor Maddox also stated, "Restart Tuscaloosa will work as a catalyst to jumpstart Tuscaloosa’s economy by setting a strong foundation for Tuscaloosa businesses and residents.”
In addition to the Restart Tuscaloosa resolution, the Tuscaloosa City Council also approved the use of a federal housing and urban development grant in the amount of $484,268. The grant will be used to support the local agencies who have worked to prepare for, prevent, or respond to COVID-19.
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