Alabama Planners Say The Sidewalk Leads To Suburban Livability

"Mountain Brook, which is about halfway through a 13-stage plan to build miles of sidewalks, is only one of the area cities competing for federal dollars for their projects. Vestavia Hills has spent more than $1.5 million on sidewalks, including a newly completed stretch along U.S. 31. Hoover is in the third phase of its Park Avenue sidewalks project in Bluff Park, a $641,000 project, and other cities are following closely behind."

"Most of these projects have received funds that cover 80 percent of the cost of construction from the Federal Highway Administration. About $17 million is expected to be available for transportation enhancements in 2007, according to the state Department of Transportation, and other funds are also available through different grants."

"Still, planners say sidewalks make good economic sense because they allow cities to build with higher density while still providing outdoor space."