Birmingham Council OKs Extra Funds For Bus Rapid Transit System
A rendering of the Birmingham Xpress bus rapid transit station planned for Five Points West
The Birmingham City Council voted Tuesday to approve using $18 million in American Rescue Plan funds to cover unexpected extra costs in construction of the city’s Bus Rapid Transit System.
The BRT project, which will create a 10-mile, higher-speed public transit corridor through 25 neighborhoods, broke ground in December. But last week, Charlotte Shaw, the city’s deputy director of capital projects, told councilors that the project had run into rising costs in the construction industry — a “perfect storm” resulting from COVID-19’s strain on the market. Even with significant cuts, she said, the city would need at least $14 million more to complete the BRT, which originally had been budgeted for $45.8 million.
Councilors, arguing that it was important to fund the project “in its entirety,” pledged last week to contribute $18 million from the city’s general fund balance, which in turn would be replenished by funding from the American Rescue Plan.
But by the time an official vote was called for on Tuesday, the situation had changed. Chaz Mitchell, Mayor Randall Woodfin’s deputy chief of operations, told councilors that federal guidelines prevented ARP dollars from going toward infrastructure projects paid for out of the city’s general or rainy day funds.
Instead, the council voted to designate $42.6 million from the city’s state and local fiscal recovery fund toward “revenue loss recovery,” which would include the extra $18 million needed for the BRT project as well as an additional $24.6 million, which will be the subject of later negotiations between the mayor and council.
“Taking this approach would really allow us to fund the BRT project without violating any of the interim final rules from the Treasury Department,” Mitchell said. “If we did the straight-up project out of the ARP … we’d probably get hit on our hands for doing an infrastructure project, or brick and mortar, which is not allowed under this Treasury ruling.”
The council voted unanimously to approve the additional funding.
“I’m glad we came to this decision,” said District 8 Councilor Steven Hoyt. “I think it’s wonderful … We need to be committed, and I think this commits us to doing something wonderful and something impactful for our residents … I think this is going to change one’s quality of life because these buses can get there and get there on time … I think this is going to be a game-changer. And if we can only build on this and provide the same kinds of services to other parts of the city on this level, it’s going to change the dynamics of this city.”
Brigitte Bardot, sex goddess of cinema, has died
Legendary screen siren and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot has died at age 91. The alluring former model starred in numerous movies, often playing the highly sexualized love interest.
For Ukrainians, a nuclear missile museum is a bitter reminder of what the country gave up
The Museum of Strategic Missile Forces tells the story of how Ukraine dismantled its nuclear weapons arsenal after independence in 1991. Today many Ukrainians believe that decision to give up nukes was a mistake.
Jeffrey R. Holland, next in line to lead Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dies at 85
Jeffrey R. Holland led the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a key governing body. He was next in line to become the church's president.
Winter storm brings heavy snow and ice to busy holiday travel weekend
A powerful winter storm is impacting parts of the U.S. with major snowfall, ice, and below zero wind chills. The conditions are disrupting holiday travel and could last through next week.
Disability rights advocate Bob Kafka dead at 79
Bob Kafka was an organizer with ADAPT (American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today), a group which advocates for policy change to support people with disabilities.
‘It’s behind you!’ How Britain goes wild for pantomimes during the holidays
Pantomimes are plays based on a well-known story — often a fairy tale — which are given a bawdy twist. The audience is expected to join in throughout, shouting as loudly as they can.
