City preparing for major paving projects
Published 2:21 am Wednesday, January 16, 2019
The Andalusia City Council agreed Tuesday to let bids for two paving projects funded by separate grants.
The city received a Community Development Block Grant for paving portions of portions of Third Street, Eight Street, Ninth Street, Second Street, Oak Street, and Woodruff Street.
In addition, the city has a $250,000 Alabama Department of Transportation Grant for additional paving streets to be specified.
Glynn Ralls, director of public works for the city, provided a list of 12 streets he has determined to be the streets most in need of repairs. The total estimated cost tops $900,000.
At present, the city has $287,000 in its gas tax accounts, which can only be used for roads. At least $106,000 of that will be used as matching funds for the CDBG grant.
On the advice of Bob Carter of Goodwin Mills and Cawood, the council agreed to let separate bids for the projects, but have them due the same day. Carter will determine which streets can likely be paved with the ALDOT grant, and the additional streets will be included in the bid as an alternate. Based on the costs, the council will decide how many can be paved.
In other business, the council agreed to reapply for a state ADECA grant that assists in providing services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Police Chief Paul Hudson said to date, services have been provided for 250 clients.