Council authorizes MDOT TAP grant applications for Medical District and 20 Second Avenue pedestrian projects

The Meridian City Council authorized city staff to apply for two Mississippi Department of Transportation Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grants to fund pedestrian and streetscape improvements.

City staff requested permission to submit a TAP application for the Medical District Phase 2 pedestrian improvements project, seeking $970,500 in grant funding. The council approved the application by voice vote, 5‑0.

City staff also asked to submit an application for a TAP grant to enhance 20 Second Avenue between Front Street and Eighth Street, a request that sought $1.2 million for sidewalk, streetscape, ADA compliance corrections, and street lighting. That application likewise was approved 5‑0.

A city staff member told the council the grants require a 20 percent local match. Asked where the match money would come from, the staff member said, “The match money will, in all likelihood, come out of the Internet sales tax.”

Council members asked whether the city submits grant applications in house. Staff said city staff complete and submit the applications. A council member asked that the city consider applying for TAP funding in future cycles for safety improvements on Fortieth Avenue near West Hill after noting a previous traffic fatality there; the staff member said the city would keep the request in mind.

Both TAP applications were approved as motions on the consent agenda. The council did not set specific contingencies in the recorded discussion; staff will proceed with grant submission and, if awarded, will return to the council for any required matching and implementation approvals.