Florala officials said Monday the state transportation department has announced plans to repave U.S. Hwy. 331 from McPhail Farm Road to the state line.

Mayor Robert Williamson said the project will be a large boon to the city.

“It looks like we’re one step closer to this happening,” Williamson said of the project. “From what I understand, the project is on the July bid list.

“Once this project is completed, the whole downtown area to the state line will look fantastic.”

Rebecca White, ALDOT’s public information officer, said the 3.07-mile project is tentatively set for the July 29 project cycle.

“It will be approximately four to six weeks after that date before notice to proceed is issued to the low-bidding contractor, if the project is kept in the July letting,” White said. “That date is tentative and subject to change. There are numerous factors that affect the letting dates for projects such as available funding, permits, environmental clearance, right‐of‐way acquisition and utility relocation issues.”

Going along the lines of improving the overall aesthetics of the city, council members also voted to appropriate $3,500 for decorative lamppost signs.

“I know it sounds like a lot, but these flags will greatly improve the looks of downtown,” said Linda Russell, a Downtown Redevelopment Authority member. “That price also includes brackets for the flags, as well as 14 American flags and six smaller flags for in front of city hall, the police department, the chamber and such.”