Seniors in the Florala will soon have a new ride, thanks to a $35,000 Alabama Department of Transportation grant.

Mayor Robert Williamson said the funds are to be used to purchase a new 15-passenger handicapped-accessible van for use of the city’s Senior Service Center.

The grant requires a 20 percent match from the city, which was approved by the council at Monday’s meeting.

Center director Loretta Sasser said the new vehicle addition will allow the center to utilize two vans for picking up senior citizens within the city limits.

“We’re just tickled to death about the new van,” Sasser said. “Our seniors are such special people, and we’re so happy to be able give them a new way to get to and from the center.”

In other business, the council:

• donated $200 to the Covington County Honor Flight; and

• approved the paving of Fourth Street between U.S. Hwy. 331 and Wildflower Avenue, and then from Wildflower Avenue westward to Ala. Hwy. 55, east to Fifth Street.