SYLACAUGA, Ala. – At its special called meeting on Tuesday, the Sylacauga City Council approved an application for a Transportation Alternative Program grant from the Alabama Department of Transportation.
The application asks for funds to add sidewalks and appropriate lighting to James Payton Boulevard from Alabama Highway 511 to U.S. Highway 280.
Micheal Rice of EEFS Company, said the project could range from $550,000 to $700,000, which would be below the maximum grant award of $800,000.
The project would place sidewalks 5-feet from the shoulder of James Payton Boulevard on the south side of the boulevard and come across the road to connect to Landings Apartments.
The 5-foot distance would allow James Payton to be widened without the need to move the sidewalk.
The sidewalk would begin at the Regions Bank on the corner of James Payton and Highway 280 and run all the way to Highway 511.
“The council will have to pay some of the cost of the project, in part because TAP grants require applicants to pay a 20% match,” said Rice.
The grant only includes construction costs, therefore the city would have to pay for planning out of pocket.
A large portion of the project will include lighting, which he expects to cost $200,000 to $300,000. The city will be able to use the same type of lighting it has used in other parts of the municipality, which would cut down on cost.
The council also unanimously approved a proposal to pay Rice $2,800 for his work on the grant application.
