The Florence City Council could decide tonight whether to allocate money to a private company to help with the construction of pedestrian walkway from the public parking deck to a private building.

The walkway from the block-long parking deck at Tennessee and Pine streets to the Rogers building has been discussed periodically for multiple years, but the building remained empty for several years until recently.

If approved, the council would provide $66,319 from an economic development fund for the walkway. The money would be given to Gordon Street Corp., a subsidiary of Martin Supply Co., which bought to downtown retail landmark recently.

Doug Ruggles, one of the owners of Sheffield-based martin Supply, told the TimesDaily earlier that the walkway would lead to an area of the building that would allow pedestrians to either enter businesses or access East Mobile Street.

Martin is moving its corporate offices to the building. In fall 2011, Jos. A. Bank men’s clothing opened in a portion of the ground floor. Ruggles said other businesses have contacted the company about renovating and leasing space there.

The project has overwhelming support from Downtown Florence Unlimited, the merchants association. Van Morgan, president of DFU, said during a meeting of the group last week a show of hands indicated virtual unanimous support for the walkway.

Parking downtown has become a challenge as retail and commercial revitalization has become more successful. Morgan said a walkway from the parking deck would encourage more shoppers and employees to use the deck, freeing on-street parking for customers.

Also on tonight’s agenda is a resolution seeking a $252,790 grant from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to assist with recycling. David Koonce, director of the Public Works Department, said some of the money would be used to help Lauderdale County expand its recycling programs.

If awarded, the grant would include matching local money of $78,528, and in-kind services worth $30,000.

The council meets at 5 p.m. in the City Hall auditorium on Pine Street. The work session begins at 4 p.m.

Robert Palmer can be reached at 256-740-5720 or robert.palmer@TimesDaily.com.