It looks as if the city of Centre will be able to finish what it started. This past Friday, Mayor Phil Powell received a letter from Alabama Gov. Bob Riley’s office informing him that the city has been approved for sidewalk grants in the amount of $150,780.

As most citizens are aware, the city repaired sidewalks and placed new streetlights on one side of Main Street and with these additional funds will be able to complete the project by placing the same type of street lights on the other side.

The new street lights have drawn numerous compliments from citizens and visitors alike.

“This letter is to advise you that your FY 2005 application for Federal Transportation Enhancement funds has been approved for sidewalks along U.S. 411 in the amount of $150,780,” said Gov. Riley in a Feb. 2 letter to Mayor Powell. “Congratulations! I am very pleased to advise you of the award of these funds to this worthwhile project.”

Robert J. Jilla, multimodal transportation engineer in the Alabama Department of Transportation, will be in contact with Mayor Powell and the city of Centre concerning the requirements that will have to be followed in administering the project.

“This is great!” said Powell. “We’ve had a lot of inquiries about the sidewalks and the street lights. We are pleased to receive these funds. ”

Powell said he is unsure at this time exactly how many new street lights will be needed for this project. The city tries to place them at least 60 feet apart, he said