Brewton will receive $450,000 in grant funds to help repair sewer lines in the Alco area, Gov. Robert Bentley announced Monday.

The grant award was one of three totaling $1.25 million in Escambia County. Atmore will also get $450,000, and Flomaton received $350,000.

The grants will help rehabilitate sections of old, cracked clay sewer lines that have caused frequent sewage leaks.

“Without grant assistance, these vital projects would create a huge burden for strained local budgets,” Bentley said. “I am pleased we can help Atmore, Brewton and Flomaton improve the quality of life for their residents.”

Over the years, the clay pipes have developed many cracks which allow frequent sewage leaks in residents’ yards. A new lining will be placed inside the old pipes to cover the cracks and eliminate leaks. The liners will be installed by robotic equipment controlled by workers using video cameras.

The project in Brewton will re-line sewer pipes in the Alco neighborhood, benefiting 448 people.

Atmore will rehabilitate sections of sewer line along Wilson Avenue, benefiting 144 people.

In Flomaton, sewer repairs will be made in an area of downtown bordered on the north by U.S. Highway 31 and Roosevelt Street, on the south by College Street, on the east by U.S. Highway 29 and on the west by Ringold Avenue. The project will benefit 154 people.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will administer the grants from funds made available to the state by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.