Long-discussed efforts to remediate an interstate’s negative impacts on predominantly African American neighborhoods in St. Petersburg received a federal boost Friday.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded the city $1.4 million for its Reconnecting the Historic Gas Plant District Project. The overarching goal is to increase safety, access, air quality and economic development opportunities in South St. Pete.
According to city reports, nearly 4,000 people – and 2,700 Black families and businesses – were displaced when construction of I-175 began in the late 1970s. Congresswoman Kathy Castor championed plans that she and Mayor Ken Welch hope will help rectify past mistakes. Read more at www.stpetecatalyst.com.
