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Alabama Legislature endorses 5-year extension of incentive to restore older buildings Updated May 06, 2021; Posted May 06, 2021 The Pizitz Food Hall in downtown Birmingham, Ala., is an example of how the state historic preservation tax credit has been utilized to restore an aging building in Alabama s largest city. The building was among the earliest recipients of a state historic tax credit about seven years ago. (file photo). Facebook Share A state tax incentive program credited for assisting in the revitalizations of downtown Birmingham and Mobile but criticized for not doing enough for smaller cities is poised to get a five-year extension. The Alabama Legislature this week endorsed HB281, which extends the historic preservation tax credit another five years, taking it to 2027. The Alabama Senate endorsed the legislation on Tuesday, with the House authorizing its final version Thursday. It now heads to Gov. Kay Ivey for final approval. ....
Amtrak to pay for repairs at train stops along Gulf Coast route Updated Mar 05, 2021; Posted Mar 05, 2021 The Excelsior Band plays as Mobile, Ala., residents welcome the Amtrak inspection train as it travels from New Orleans, La., to Bay St. Louis and eventually on to Florida on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016. (file photo) Facebook Share Amtrak will pay for the repairs and upgrades needed at the train stops along the Gulf Coast route ahead of returning passenger rail to the line in early 2022. The announcement, occurring Friday during a Southern Rail Commission meeting, is dependent on Federal Railroad Administration approval and work could be underway in the coming months. The objective, according to Amtrak, is to repair the platforms that have long been in place along the rail route connecting Mobile to New Orleans. ....
Christmas Bombing Damage Could Put Historic Preservation Status in Danger An overhaul of Second Avenue would put the National Register of Historic Places designation at risk Tweet Second Avenue in JanuaryPhoto: Matt Masters In the days following the Christmas bombing on Second Avenue, Metro Nashville Codes Administration officials were concerned that many, if not all, of the affected buildings would have to be demolished. Such a move would erase from the cityscape what was Nashville’s first major historic preservation success story. But as cleanup progressed and codes officials and engineers were able to get a clearer look at the damage, the outlook became rosier. Codes director Bill Herbert said a look inside with his department’s chief engineer made it clear “that every one of these buildings can be rehabilitated.” ....
‘Amtrak Joe’ and ‘Mayor Pete’: New administration vows Gulf Coast visit Updated Jan 27, 2021; Posted Jan 27, 2021 An Amtrak inspection train, filled with government and rail transportation officials and media, arrives in Mobile, Ala., on Thursday Feb. 18, 2016. The trip marked the first time in more than 10 years a passenger train has left New Orleans headed east to Florida. (file photo) Facebook Share President Joe Biden took thousands of train trips between his Delaware home and Washington, D.C., when he was in the Senate, earning him the title “Amtrak Joe.” Pete Buttigieg, the incoming U.S. transportation secretary, who earned the nickname “Mayor Pete” during last year’s presidential contest, advocated for improved passenger rail service as mayor of South Bend, Indiana. ....