Funds to replace two lift stations in town
The town of Flomaton has been awarded a $400,000 grant to replace or improve sewage lift stations on Palafox Street and Cary Street.
The announcement was made during a council meeting last Thursday with the town pledging a $69,000 match on the project.
Kenneth Boswell, director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, sent a letter to Mayor Johnson dated Nov. 8, noting the ADECA grant was funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Mayor Johnson sent a letter to Bowell on July 22, 2024, requesting the grant funds, which included the town’s grant application.
“The town is requesting these funds to improve the aging Cary Street and Palafox Street lift stations,” Mayor Johnson wrote. “Flomaton’s lift stations are critical components of our wastewater management system.”
Johnson noted in his letter that the lift stations were outdated and frequently malfunction which led to service disruptions, potential environmental hazards and increased maintenance costs.
“The town of Flomaton is committed to this project and has already allocated $69,000 in matching funds, demonstrating our dedication to improving our sewer system Infrastructure,” Mayor Johnson wrote.
In other business the council:
- Approved purchasing a $67,000 Ford Explorer for the police department and a $62,000 Chevrolet truck for the utility department, with both vehicles to be financed.
- The council also changed the new employee probation period from six months to 90 days. Mayor Johnson said the standard probation period is 90 days and he felt that the six months was too long.
Police Chief Dereck Lowry agreed with the change, noting it is a window to terminate an employee without cause noting if they can’t do the job in 90 days they can’t do the job in 180 days.
