By By Lisa Tindell – news editor
Brewton and East Brewton Police Departments along with the Escambia County Sheriff's Department will soon be adding new vehicles to their fleet of patrol cars. The new purchases are being made possible by grants of $25,000 for each department. The grants were awarded from funds being made available from the U.S. Department of Justice and administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.
East Brewton Police Chief B.C. Cooper is currently analyzing the requirements for a patrol vehicle and soliciting bids for the purchase of the vehicle.
Alabama Gov. Bob Riley notified Clark, Escambia County Sheriff Grover Smith and Brewton Mayor Ted Jennings of the grant awards last week.
Riley said he is happy to be able to make the announcment concerning the availability of funds to the agencies in Escambia County as well across the state.
In addition to receiving grant funds to purchase a patrol vehicle, East Brewton has also been named a recipient of a grant from the Alabama Power Foundation and the Alabama Urban Forestry Association to be used to plant trees in R.T. Johnson Park on Williamson Street.
The park grounds have already seen landscaping work begin with the $700 grant for trees helping to offset the costs of the project, East Brewton Fire Chief Joey Shell said.
The tennis court area of the park will receive the most benefit from the latest grant, Shell said.
Sod work, a sprinkler system installation and electrical work will have to be completed before trees are planted, Shell said.
The $700 grant awarded for the tree purchases in East Brewton is part of $80,000 in grants awarded to 85 communities and organizations throughout the state.
According to Cleve Formwalt, president of the Alabama Urban Forestry Association who co-sponsored the grants, the trees will provide environmental benefits for the community.