STATE REP. DAVID FAULKNER TO DIRECT $15,000 IN COMMUNITY GRANTS TO HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE PROJECT

State Rep. David Faulkner (R - Mountain Brook) on Tuesday announced he will direct a $15,000 community grant to the Hollywood Boulevard pedestrian bridge project that will connect Homewood and Mountain Brook above Highway 280 and within Birmingham city limits. 

Faulkner has been actively involved in the bridge project since 2016 and has worked closely with the Homewood and Mountain Brook city councils to secure state approval and funding sources. 

(Left to Right) Mountain Brook Mayor Stewart Welch, III, Birmingham City Councilor Valerie A. Abbott, Homewood City Councilor Jennifer Andress, State Representative David Faulkner and Mountain Brook City Councilor Virginia Caruthers Smith.

“This project is a textbook example of regional cooperation as the city, county, and state have combined efforts to increase pedestrian safety and improve the quality of life,” Faulkner said. “Hundreds of pedestrians, runners, and cyclists travel this busy and dangerous route each week, and the completed pedestrian bridge will help ensure their protection, security, and well-being in the future. I am proud of the work we have done to create this solution and am honored to help provide a portion of the funds necessary to make it a reality.” 

Homewood City Councilor Peter Wright praised the effort and attention Faulkner has devoted to the project and said construction of the bridge is becoming possible only because of his direct involvement. 

“The maze of jurisdictions involved in this project initially proved troublesome, but Rep. Faulkner stepped in and formed a true coalition of governments,” Wright said. “With Rep. Faulkner’s leadership, the cities of Homewood, Mountain Brook, and Birmingham, Jefferson County, and the Alabama Department of Transportation have all worked cooperatively toward this single-minded goal.” 

Faulkner, who noted that Homewood City Councilor Jennifer Andress also played a significant role in promoting the project, said funding for the bridge will come from his allocation in the Jefferson County Community Service Fund, which allows legislators from the region to direct financial resources toward local public works projects. Design work on the Hollywood Boulevard pedestrian bridge is expected to begin later this year.