SCOTT CITY TO HOLD HEARINGS ON GRANTS

SCOTT CITY -- Public hearings are set for a $1 million grant for flood repairs and a $500,000 housing rehabilitation grant at tonight's city council meeting at 7:30.

The city was notified last month that it had been awarded a $1 million federal grant for street repairs and water drainage improvements in the industrial park south of the Diversion Channel.

The roads will be repaired to commercial grade, and a new bridge will be built, replacing a span on Old Highway 61.

The industrial park will have quality roads with the announced improvements to Nash Road east of Interstate 55.

The cost of the planned improvements is estimated at $1.327 million, with the state expected to provide the needed funds above $1 million.

The Bootheel Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission is handling the planning for this project, Mayor Larry Forhan said.

Several engineering firms have already indicated their interest in the project.

Selecting an engineer is the first step for the city, followed by the letting of bids, Forhan said.

Sand boils from last year's flood damaged Nash Road and others in the industrial park. The Nash Road pavement was pushed up a 11/2 feet in some places.

More than 1,500 people are employed in the industrial park. Businesses in the area include a wood products company, a plastics recycling and manufacturing company and some transportation firms.

As to the other public hearing, the city is planning to apply again for a housing rehabilitation grant through the state's Community Development Block Grant program, City Clerk Nona Walls said.

About 40 families will benefit if the grant is approved next spring. The grant would allow for structural repairs to houses considered below standard.

The area proposed for housing rehabilitation is east of Supervalu and south of the railroad tracks along Main Street. The 7-block by 2-block area is bounded by Oak Street on the east, Fornfelt Street on the south and Murray Avenue on the west.