By Brianna Hobson
East Riverwalk, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Tuscaloosa City Council met on Feb. 28 in City Hall to discuss the status of the Western Riverwalk project which is in the bidding negotiations set to be voted on March 7 to determine if the city council will accept the offer from John Plott Company for $8 million.
The Western Riverwalk project began in May 2020 when the city applied for a federal BUILD grant for $20 million. This grant includes features like Western Riverwalk shared use bicycle and pedestrian path, Jack Warner Parkway pedestrian bridge, Black Warrior barge and mooring improvements, and Hugh Thomas Bridge pier protection. Of the $20 million the city applied for, $15 million was approved and $5.65 million of that had to be pledged in city matching funds.
Mayor Walt Maddox said he is committed to enhancing West Tuscaloosa, “we will carry the belief that Western Tuscaloosa and too many parts of our city have not seen the economic gains of the past decade and can again thrive both residentially and commercially.”
Western Riverwalk is set to span 1.04 miles and will include playgrounds, restrooms, and a shared bicycle and pedestrian pathway with numerous security features including 58 cameras, three blue phones, and two access trailheads on the East and West entrances.
One of the main discussion points was that construction for the project will be locally contracted and stimulate the economy since the property sits on the backside of over 100 acres of land.
It is projected to catch the eye of private investors, business owners, and developers. The type of events that will take place in Western Riverwalk is still to be determined but it is anticipated to attract families and be the subject of field trips for local schools.
"I am very confident that it is going to encourage economic development that West Tuscaloosa is currently lacking and is going to positively affect the quality of life for families to be able to take their children somewhere convenient and enjoy the scenery,” said Councilwoman Howard.