Tuscaloosa Seeks $2.6 Million in Federal Funding for Downtown Pedestrian Security Bollards
The City of Tuscaloosa is pursuing nearly $2.6 million in federal funding to enhance pedestrian safety downtown by installing security bollards. The Tuscaloosa City Council Finance Committee is scheduled to consider authorizing an application for the U.S. Department of Transportation's FY2026 Stopping Threats on Pedestrians Competitive Grant Program. The city is requesting $2,577,649, with no local matching funds required. Preliminary engineering plans, described as not yet for construction, outline the installation of these bollards around Government Plaza and at multiple intersections along University Boulevard, including 20th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd Avenues, and 23rd Avenue at 4th Street. These barriers are intended to protect pedestrians from vehicle threats in crowded areas, though city documents do not specify a particular incident or threat prompting the application. 
