From Tribune Staff Reports
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. — The Jefferson County Commission approved a wide slate of community grants and infrastructure agreements during its meeting Thursday, including funding for projects in Trussville and Irondale.
The Commission awarded $25,000 to the City of Irondale to support its roundabout gateway project and $20,000 to the Trussville City Schools Foundation to aid local education initiatives. Both allocations were part of a series of district fund grants that distributed hundreds of thousands of dollars across the county to nonprofits, schools, libraries and community organizations.
In addition to the grants, commissioners approved an agreement with Sentell Engineering for $61,800 in consulting services connected to the Trafford Storm Shelter Project. The Commission also adopted the county’s Fiscal Year 2026 Rebuild Alabama Transportation Plan, which outlines how gasoline and diesel excise tax revenues will be used for paving and infrastructure projects. Officials noted that nearly $3.5 million in materials are designated for additional projects next year beyond the Rebuild Alabama plan.
Another major action included approval of an ATRIP II grant agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation. The county secured $2 million in funding for intersection improvements at Grants Mill Road and Highway 119, a project aimed at addressing traffic congestion and safety in the area.
Among the largest grants awarded Thursday was $250,000 to the Penny Foundation, which will use the funds to promote HBCU education opportunities and cultural programming for underserved youth. The Music Speaks Louder Than Words Foundation received $130,000 to deliver music events to underserved communities, while the McCalla Youth Athletic Association received $100,000 to assist with park improvements and engineering costs at Greenwood Park.
Other recipients included Aldridge Gardens, Tannehill State Park, the Rock Creek Baseball Association, the CoachSafely Foundation, and several public library branches across Jefferson County, with funding dedicated to facility improvements and community programming.
Commissioners also finalized their 2026 meeting calendar, noting a minor adjustment to one November date due to the elections. Officials said the corrected version of the schedule will be posted on the county’s website.
