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Restart Tuscaloosa
Updated Mar 03 2023
Latest News
Summary
Restart Tuscaloosa is an initiative to invest $15 million through 2022 into public safety, neighborhoods, small businesses, the experience economy, and local agencies. Restart Tuscaloosa works as a catalyst to jumpstart Tuscaloosa’s economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic by setting a strong foundation for Tuscaloosa businesses and residents.
Small Business
Elevate Economy helped local businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by investing $1 million with the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Relief Fund.
A second round of up to $400,000 of funding was provided to assist lounge establishments impacted by closures. This funding was distributed to businesses through the city's Lounge Assistance Program.
Neighborhoods
Based on analysis of existing road conditions and City Council input, 66 local roads, sidewalks, and drainage projects have been identified to receive $7 million of improvements over two years to keep Tuscaloosa neighborhoods in excellent condition.
Experience Economy
A total of $2.6 million will be invested into tourism and sports to expand Tuscaloosa’s experience economy. Expect more live music, events, festivals, and sports that will enhance life for Tuscaloosa residents and draw visitors here.
Public Safety
A total of $4 million will be invested into equipment, vehicles, and cyber technology to ensure the safety of our community.
Project Status
Though most existing Elevate projects and initiatives will continue to progress with minimal impact, the Mayor has recommended changes to some timelines. The status of each project has been assigned a green, yellow, or red light at this time. Green light projects will move ahead as planned with little or no delay. Yellow light projects will proceed with their study phase. Red light projects will pause.
See the project status document presented by the Mayor to the City Council on April 28, 2020.
Goals and Impact
Infuse direct financial support into local businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
Provide an economic stimulus for the community by investing in key areas outlined above
Keep the city's public safety assets updated and modern during the pandemic and in its aftermath
Project Updates
Timeline
Hover to see details
Key Milestones & Events
Completed:
Small Business
A $1 million funding investment was approved on May 12, 2020 and final funding was distributed on August 14, 2020
On September 15, 2020, assistance of up to $400,000 was approved through the city's Lounge Assistance Program
Neighborhoods - street repaving projects
2021 Projects
Bids were opened on September 23, 2020 (view documents here)
The contract was awarded on September 29, 2020 to ST Bunn Construction
2022 Projects
Bids were opened on October 19, 2021 (view documents here)
The contract was awarded on November 23, 2021 to ST Bunn Construction
Up Next:
Project Materials
Small Business
Download the report about the $1 million invested in the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Relief Fund
Download the report about the $300,000+ distributed through the city's Lounge Assistance Program
Neighborhoods - street repaving projects
Review the list of projects in the 2020-2021 street repaving plan
Review the list of projects in the 2021-2022 street repaving plan
Financial Information
Costs
Cost Summary
Spent:
$13,646,172
Approved:
$13,952,272
Budget:
$13,960,837
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Spent: The amount paid on this project to-date.
Approved: The amount that has been approved by the City Council to be spent for a specific contract or purpose on this project. In city accounting terms, this is spent + encumbered.
Budget: The total amount of money that the City expects to be spent to complete this project. This amount is only finalized once sufficient planning on the project has been completed.
Cost Details
Elevate Tuscaloosa Fund: City funds dedicated to Elevate Tuscaloosa which are allocated to this project.
Other City Funds: City funds from non-Elevate Tuscaloosa sources allocated to this project.
External Funding: Amounts from sources outside of the city, such as grants, or donations from citizens or private companies.
Overall Funding
Funding Summary
Elevate Tuscaloosa Fund:
$13,960,837
Other City Funds:
$0
External Funding:
$0
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