The City of Columbus is looking at plans to fund a $2.6 million project in the East Columbus area.

That would be the next phase of the State Street Revitalization project. Mayor Jim Lienhoop explains that the project would stretch from about California Street , over the Haw Creek bridge going to about Mapleton Street. It will include green spaces and trails for pedestrians and bicycles.

The Columbus Redevelopment Commission has approved the plan, and the Board of Public Works and Safety agreed to put the project out to bid last week. Tomorrow the City Council will be asked to fund the project. The mayor explains that the project will be paid out of the city’s Tax Increment Financing funds.

Each year the city sets aside about $6 million that comes from the TIF district stretching from downtown to Walesboro., Lienhoop said. The money all comes from property tax growth in that district and must be spent to benefit the district.

The money will not mean in an increase in property taxes, the mayor said.

Lienhoop says the Central TIF district collects $6 to $7 million dollars a year.

The City Council meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Council Chambers in Columbus City Hall.