Council President Pro Tem Smitherman allocates ARPA funds for infrastructure improvements and community-based initiative
On Tuesday, the Birmingham City Council unanimously approved an item for one of Council President Pro Tem Crystal Smitherman’s ARPA Projects — sidewalk infrastructure improvements for her district totaling $150,590.00 in the federally allocated funds.
Following the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021, each Council office received $3 million in funds to distribute to projects in their districts. Over the past two weeks, Pro Tem Smitherman has had several ARPA projects move forward.
“This is another one of our amazing ARPA projects that’s going to improve the quality of life for our residents. I’m really excited about this because it will be improving the sidewalk infrastructure in West End,” Pro Tem Smitherman said. “One of these sidewalks is right where Hemphill Elementary is located. I think it’s really important that we have sidewalks where our kids are walking to school and that we maintain those.”
Those sidewalk projects are as follows:
Cotton Ave. from 12th Street SW to 11th Street SW — Both sides
Cotton Ave. from 11th Street SW to 10th Street SW — South side only
12th Street SW from Cotton Ave to McMillian — Both sides
12th Street SW from Tuscaloosa Ave. to Cotton Ave. — West side only
Cotton Ave from 13th Street SW to 12th Street SW — North side only
Last week, Pro Tem Smitherman allocated ARPA funds to an important community-based initiative: No More Martyrs DBA Black Women’s Mental Health Institute.
The organization focuses on providing free mental health services for qualified residents in the district. Councilor Smitherman supported this effort with $300,000 in federal ARPA funds.
“It is crucial that we come together as a society to address the need for more mental health services in our communities. For too long there has been a stigma around seeking help. By fostering awareness, mentorship, and creating safe environments, we can strive towards a better future for our residents who need this kind of care and I’m honored to able to provide this support,” Smitherman said.
