Gulf Shores City Council approved a Transportation Alternatives Program grant at an Oct. 6 meeting, which will award the city with $800,000 from the Alabama Department of Transportation.

According to official documents presented at the meeting, the grant will be used to aid in the construction of improvements to East First Street between E. 16th Ave. and E. 19th Ave.

"There are two apartment complexes located on East First Street, Dolphin Villas and Marbella Apartments, and there are currently no sidewalks in this location to connect pedestrians on this street to nearby schools, shops, restaurants and churches," said Clint Colvin, construction manager, at an Oct. 2 work session meeting. "This project will provide improved community access, and promote safety for pedestrians with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant concrete sidewalks."

Colvin said these improvements will also include the enclosure of drainage on the east side of East First Street to allow for the installation of 1,150 feet of new sidewalks, overlaying the existing street.

"The existing sidewalks stop right after First National Bank and doesn't pick up again until 16th avenue," Colvin said. "We have had a few complaints about the kids who live in these apartments having to walk to school in the street."

According to official documents, the total estimated cost of the renovation project is $1,009,000, and the grant will provide $800,000 with a city match of $209,000. Colvin said the city match is included in the 2024 budget, and the project is expected to start in 2024 and complete in 2025.

"This is a really high traffic area, and I would love to see us expedite the original contracting and construction as soon as possible," Council member Jason Dyken said. "It is a terrible need in our community."