The City of Brewton is pursing an estimated $600,000 in grant funds to rehab water and sewer lines in areas near Brewton Elementary School.

“This project is very similar to the Alco project where we were able to replace water lines and improve sewer lines,” said Paul Darnell with DMD Engineering, the company hired to do the project’s design work. “We’ve had several complaints about water quality in the area, and this project will correct those.”

The Community Development Block Grant would require a $150,000 match. Those funds will be paid by the city’s water board, and the grant will be administered by the city.

“So that means we apply for the grant; the water board pays for it, and we get some sewer work done,” said Mayor Yank Lovelace. “Sounds like a great deal for everyone.”

City Clerk John Angel said there are 128 structures, including six businesses, inside the area.

According to project maps, the project – if funded – would replace water lines on Lovelace Avenue, Conoley Avenue and Gowan Avenue and sections of Underwood Street and Pine Street and install liners in sewer lines on Granberry and Jackson streets.

“We don’t plan to tear up any streets, but we will have to replace a small section to replace a manhole on Underwood Street,” Darnell said. “This project will correct the dirty water problem.”

The city should be notified in October if the project was funded, Darnell said.

In other business, the council:

• received a $5,000 request from Emmie Jernigan, director of the Women’s Business Center, to help fund outreach programs for local women businessowners and entrepreuners. Council members asked Jernigan to provide a contract for services before voting;

• granted Lovelace approval to give park approval for a July tent revival; and,

• granted use of Jennings Park to Escambia County Baptist Association on Sept. 11 from 1 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. for a peanut boil.