For the second time this year, Florala will receive grant funding to improve the city’s aesthetic appearance.

Tuesday, Mayor Robert Williamson said the city had been notified it was awarded $282,023 in Community Development Block Grant funds from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

“This money will be used to resurface from the ‘Y’ on Fifth Avenue to the corner Seventh Street and the unpaved portion of Juniper Street,” Williamson said. “This latest announcement is great news to the people of Florala. We’re more than pleased with how the projects in Florala are coming along.”

The project, which does require a $10,000 in-kind services commitment, is the latest in a string of roadway improvements.

The first phase of the city’s sidewalk improvement project, which was on Fifth Avenue beginning at Stateline Mini-Mall and continuing to Simply Chic, was completed earlier this year. Funding for the project was originally awarded to the city in 2004 by the Alabama Department of Transportation Enhancement and required a 20 percent match from the city.

At the end of May, city officials were notified Florala would receive 100 percent funding to complete the second phase of the sidewalk improvement project, which will provide for new sidewalks through the next block east.

As for remaining section of Fifth Avenue that is not being paved, Florala Utility Board members have stated it is their intent to seek grant funds to replace water and sewer lines that currently are under the street. If and when that project is completed, Williamson said the city plans to seek additional grant funds to “really make our downtown outstanding.”