In 2026, the United States will mark a once-in-a-generation milestone: the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Known as America 250, the semiquincentennial offers communities across the country a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the nation’s founding ideals, honor the sacrifices that secured our freedoms, and look ahead to the future we are building together.

The City of Pelham is proud to be part of this historic national observance. In support of the celebration, the Pelham City Council has passed a resolution endorsing the Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission (AMERICA250AL), aligning the City with statewide efforts to commemorate this important anniversary. As a visible symbol of that commitment, an America 250 flag now flies over Pelham City Hall, representing unity, reflection, and civic pride.

Mayor Rick Wash believes this milestone arrives at a particularly important moment in the nation’s story.

“In this day and age, we need to take every opportunity available to celebrate our country’s history,” Wash said. “America 250 helps us better understand how we achieved our independence and how we established our system of constitutional self-government.”

To guide Pelham’s local efforts, Mayor Wash has appointed a citizen-led America 250 committee charged with planning and coordinating activities throughout the year. The committee’s goal is to create events that are inclusive, educational, and engaging, offering residents of all ages meaningful experiences.

Through community gatherings, educational programming, and celebratory events, Pelham’s America 250 initiative will highlight both national history and the City’s own local story.

“This celebration plays a huge role not only for our country, but for our own community,” Wash said. “I hope the events we’re planning allow families to get involved and learn more about the role Pelham has played in shaping our nation’s history, as well as our rich tradition of honoring veterans.”

Pelham’s participation also complements Alabama’s broader America 250 efforts, many of which are centered at American Village in Shelby County. As a neighboring community, Pelham is uniquely positioned to connect residents with these statewide resources while also offering programming that reflects Pelham’s own heritage, culture, and sense of community.

For Mayor Wash, the semiquincentennial also carries a deeply personal meaning—one tied to memory, pride, and the next generation.

“I was a seventh grader during the Bicentennial celebration in 1976, and I still remember how important that moment felt,” he said. “I hope the youth of our community remember that they had the opportunity to live through the celebration of our nation’s birth. This is a historic time, and we should all stand with pride and gratitude for what we have. Most importantly, it’s a reminder that we are all Americans.”

As plans continue to take shape, Pelham’s America 250 efforts will emphasize participation, learning, and community connection. Residents and visitors alike will be invited to take part in honoring the past, celebrating the present, and envisioning the future.

Mayor Wash hopes the celebration serves as a reminder of the values that unite us—especially during challenging times.

“Our country is at a crossroads,” he said. “But it’s often at our lowest points, and when our neighbors need help, that we put our differences aside and stand side by side. I hope America 250 helps remind us of the foundation on which our country was built: liberty and justice for all. God bless America.”

Additional details, events, and opportunities to get involved will be shared as planning continues. Together, Pelham will honor America’s past, celebrate its present, and look confidently toward the future.

The City of Pelham is once again partnering with Secure Shredding & Recycling to offer free document shredding and electronic recycling services for Pelham residents. The spring event will take place on Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Pelham City Hall, located at 3162 Pelham Parkway.

The document shredding & e-recycling is a drive-through event, so there’s no need to leave your car. Simply pull up to the Secure Shredding trucks parked in front of City Hall and drop off up to six boxes of documents for secure, on-site shredding.

Document Shredding Guidelines

• Do not bring paper in 3-ring binders or wet paper.

• Staples and paper clips are acceptable; binder clips are not.

• Manila folders, envelopes, and standard office paper are allowed.

• Bring your documents in any box or bag. You’ll receive your containers back once the materials have been securely placed in the shredder.

E-Recycling Guidelines

• CRT monitors: $10 each

• Flat-panel monitors: Free

• Hard drive destruction: $10 per drive

• Television sets: Not accepted

For a complete list of accepted and non-accepted e-waste items, please refer to the links below:

• Accepted Items for E-Waste Recycling

• Items NOT Accepted for E-Waste Recycling

This free service is offered to Pelham residents twice a year. The next shredding and e-recycling event is scheduled for October 3, 2026. Stay tuned to our website and official social media channels for updates.

Long-Awaited Railroad Crossing Project Moves Forward in Pelham

A major infrastructure project with the potential to significantly improve traffic flow and emergency response times in Pelham is officially moving forward. At a recent Pelham City Council meeting, City Manager Gretchen DiFante announced that long-awaited federal funding for the Railroad Crossing Elimination Project on Shelby County Road 52 has now been fully obligated, clearing the way for the next phase of work to begin. 

The City of Pelham was awarded a grant through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Crossing Elimination Program, covering 80 percent of the project’s estimated $52.4 million cost. The remaining 20 percent of the cost will be covered by local funding. The project will permanently eliminate two CSX railroad crossings at County Road 52 and Lee Street, locations that frequently cause traffic backups and delays for emergency responders.

The project was placed on hold in early 2025, when federal grants nationwide were temporarily paused for review. DiFante explained that over the past year, federal agencies evaluated existing grants to ensure compliance with current executive orders. With that review now complete, the Federal Railroad Administration has authorized Pelham to move ahead.

“This is an exciting day for Pelham,” DiFante told the Council. “Committed funds mean the project is moving forward, but when funds are obligated, that means we can begin spending money. We are officially on the clock.”

The Railroad Crossing Elimination Project will realign County Road 52 and construct a bridge over the existing rail lines, eliminating the at-grade crossings. The project also includes reconfiguring the intersection at U.S. Highway 31, roadway widening east of Highway 31, and additional corridor improvements. County Road 52 is a critical east–west route linking Pelham, Helena, and Interstate 65, and it currently carries more traffic than any east–west roadway in the area aside from I-459.

When trains block crossings, emergency responders on one side of the tracks cannot respond to calls on the other, creating serious public safety concerns and forcing neighboring cities to respond. The community has long voiced concerns about these delays, and the project is designed to address those risks while improving daily traffic flow.

While the project has received substantial federal support, it also requires a local funding match of approximately $10.6 million. The Federal Railroad Administration grant covers 80 percent of the total project cost, with the remaining 20 percent funded locally. City officials note that part of the rationale behind Pelham’s one-cent sales tax increase approved in 2024 was to help the city meet its share of major infrastructure investments like this one. The sales tax increase passed by a 3–2 vote of the Pelham City Council and helps ensure Pelham can leverage large federal grants to address long-standing safety and mobility challenges.

Development Services & Public Works Director André Bittas, who has led the project since its inception in 2022, emphasized the scale and impact of the work ahead.

“This is the largest project awarded in the country under this grant program—about $52 million worth of work,” Bittas said. “It’s going to improve traffic flow, access management, and most importantly, give public safety reliable access across the tracks.”

Bittas noted the extensive coordination required among multiple partners, including Shelby County, the Alabama Department of Transportation, CSX, and federal agencies and consultants.

“There’s a lot of coordination and documentation involved,” he said. “Because this is a federal grant, everything must be detailed and thorough. We want to make sure we receive every penny and deliver this project the right way.”

As the sole recipient of the federal grant, the City of Pelham will serve as project manager and administrator for the duration of the effort. Work will begin with environmental assessments, engineering, utility coordination, and right-of-way acquisition, processes that take time but are required for federally funded projects.

“This was one of the best examples of teamwork I’ve seen in my career,” DiFante said, crediting regional emergency services, local governments, state partners, CSX, consultants, and past City leadership for their collaboration. “Now, our work really begins.”

The project timeline extends through 2031, with environmental assessment and design scheduled over the next several years, and construction expected to begin in 2029. The entire project must be completed by April 30, 2031. The City plans to create a dedicated project page on its website and provide regular updates to both the City Council and the public.

“This project is going to make a huge difference along this corridor,” Bittas said. “I’m excited to get it started.”

Read the February 2026 E-Newsletter.

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