Tuscaloosa, AL – Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced $17,149,167 in funding for the City of Tuscaloosa from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program. This funding will be used to support the city’s Tuscaloosa University Boulevard Corridor project, allowing the City of Tuscaloosa in conjunction with the University of Alabama and the Alabama Department of Transportation to make necessary transportation infrastructure improvements.

“This is great news for the City of Tuscaloosa and its partners! Investing in our infrastructure provides cities with the revenue they need to not only rebuild but modernize and make room for new innovative development,” said Rep. Sewell. “I applaud the City of Tuscaloosa, the University of Alabama, and the Alabama Department of Transportation for working together to rebuild and revitalize this community. These are the types of funding opportunities that will ensure that the 7th Congressional District can build back better!”

Background:

The City of Tuscaloosa received a federal grant of $17,149,167 from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support the city and its partners, the University of Alabama and the Alabama Department of Transportation, to make transportation infrastructure improvements.

            Specifically, the RAISE funding will support the following: 

• Technology upgrades
• Stormwater drainage improvements to address resilience and environmental issues
• Expand pedestrian access from residential areas to institutional and retail areas

“The City of Tuscaloosa could not be more thrilled to be among the recipients of the Department of Transportation’s RAISE Grant. These funds will give us the opportunity to make improvements to one of the major arteries connecting all of Tuscaloosa and will provide better connectivity across our community,” said Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox. “The enhancements that will be made to the University Blvd corridor will include increased storm drain capacity, streetscape enhancements, advancements in security and safety measures, and the inclusion of bike lanes and underground utilities in several locations.”

The Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity, or RAISE Discretionary Grant program, provides a unique opportunity for the DOT to invest in road, rail, transit and port projects that promise to achieve national objectives. Previously known as the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) and Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary Grants, Congress has dedicated nearly $8.9 billion for twelve rounds of National Infrastructure Investments to fund projects that have a significant local or regional impact.