ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — A resolution extending the time period for a 2009 sidewalk project was passed by the City of Robertsdale at their Monday morning council meeting.

Resolution 002-11 was created as an amendment to the original $492,198 Transportation Enhancement Grant awarded in 2009 by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration and extended it from March 31, 2012 to January 17, 2013, said Greg Smith, City Engineer.

“We had to do this so ALDOT (Alabama Department of Transportation) could authorize the funding that was held up due to the federal government finishing up stimulus projects. We should be able to get authorization in the next few months to begin the bidding process for the project,” Smith said.

The project will extend the sidewalks from Robertsdale Elementary School to Robertsdale High School and Hilltop Apartments that includes Cedar Street, Silverhill Avenue, College Avenue and Wilters Street, Smith explained.

“This is an 80/20 federally funded grant with $393,710 coming from federal funds and $98,427 coming from budgeted funds from a bond. We are hoping to begin working on this project by the summer,” Smith said.

According to the DOT website, the federal Transportation Enhancements (TE) program funds 12 different types of transportation-related activities with “pedestrian and bicycle facilities” being one of them. Through this project, new or reconstructed sidewalks can be funded and “communities can develop projects that make nonmotorized transportation safe, convenient and appealing. These projects encourage healthful physical activity, keep air clean by decreasing reliance on fossil fuels and enrich local economies with transportation assets.”

In other council business, Mayor Charles Murphy announced the city will be have their Arbor Day celebration and tree giveaway on Saturday, February 26 at 8 a.m. in Garrett Park in Robertsdale.

Also, Mayor Murphy presented a proclamation to Sharon Eggert recognizing March 5-11, 2011 as “National Problem Gambling Awareness Week” to encourage all citizens to spread the message of help for problem gamblers through treatment and support for them through their families.