The re-start of a grant-funded drainage upgrade project on the west side of U.S. 31 in Falkville was given the green light by the town council at its regular meeting on Jan. 8.

District 3 Commissioner Don Stisher, who has supported the project with in-kind services, said he would order the materials needed and resume work upon their arrival, weather permitting.

“We pulled our crew off the job for the Christmas holidays,” Stisher said, “but before that we had workers on the job most days since last August.

Stisher said the project would culminate with the installation of underground drain tile in rights-of-way on streets in the Jack McCaig Park and Second Street (high school) area over the next three weeks.

“Our target is to be out of there by the end of this month,” said Stisher.

Falkville Mayor Bob Ramey said the underground draining system is designed to alleviate flash flooding in low-lying areas.

“We’re a little bit over budget on the project,” he added, “but I believe we’ll be able to absorb that without a problem.

“We’ve had water standing in yards in that part of town even after a normal rain event for years,” he pointed out.

Stisher said no streets will be closed to traffic while the remainder of construction is in progress.

In other matters, the council:

•Approved registration fees and travel expenses for Police and Fire Chief Chris Free to attend at Police’s Chief’s Conference in Montgomery.

•Authorized a reimbursement of $1,448,92 to Harrison Distributing for an overpayment of fuel tax.

•Declared used playground equipment as surplus property and authorized it to be donated to a memorial park in Harvest, at the request of Karen Shears.