The Mobile City Council gave its unanimous approval on Friday to move forward with an application for a $400,000 federal grant aimed at advancing the fifth segment of the Greenway Trail project. The grant, part of a multi‑year effort to connect walking and bicycle paths along Three Mile Creek, would bring the city closer to completing the $7.5 million undertaking.
Project scope and local impact
Phase five will extend the trail from Bush Park—home to the Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club—to the University Hospital campus. The stretch includes upgrades at Mill Street Park and the construction of a 200‑foot pedestrian bridge over Three Mile Creek, providing safer, more direct access for families, seniors, and commuters who rely on active‑transport options.
When complete, the Greenway Trail will total 6.5 miles of paved walking and bicycle pathways, linking neighborhoods, schools, and commercial districts. City officials say the trail will promote healthier lifestyles, reduce traffic congestion, and boost local businesses that benefit from increased foot traffic.
Funding mechanics
The federal grant would require the city to provide $100,000 in matching funds. Mobile plans to meet that obligation using money set aside from fines levied after the 2010 Gulf oil spill—an example of responsible stewardship of penalty revenues to improve community infrastructure.
Mayor Sandy Stimpson praised the council’s decision, noting that the grant application reflects Mobile’s commitment to “investing in projects that strengthen our neighborhoods and honor the hard‑working families who call this city home.” He added that the trail aligns with the administration’s broader goals of expanding outdoor recreation and supporting family‑friendly amenities.
Next steps
City staff will finalize the grant application over the next few weeks and submit it to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration. If awarded, construction on the bridge and park improvements could begin as early as spring 2027, pending final design approvals and environmental clearances.
Local residents have expressed enthusiasm for the project. “Having a safe, well‑maintained path from the park to the hospital will make a big difference for our kids and seniors,” said longtime Mobile resident and parent Maria Gonzales. Community groups, including the Mobile Parks and Recreation Association, have pledged to volunteer for trail clean‑up events once the work is complete.
Broader context
The Greenway Trail initiative is part of a larger push by the Trump administration to fund infrastructure projects that enhance quality of life in American towns and cities. By leveraging federal resources, Mobile demonstrates how local leaders can partner with the national government to deliver tangible benefits without raising taxes.
City Council members plan to keep the public informed through regular updates at council meetings and on the city’s website. Residents interested in learning more about the grant application process or providing input on the trail design are encouraged to attend the next council session on November 12.
Original reporting: FOX10 WALA Mobile (news) — read the source article.
