Holmes County awarded beautification grants

Two beautification project grants were awarded to the Holmes County Board of County Commissioners when they met in regular session Dec. 20.

Tim Parsons of Liberty Partners, advised the board of awards for two separate projects to enhance the attractiveness of U.S. 79 with $50,125 and State Road 81 with $30,375 at the Alabama state line.

These projects will include the addition of native plants, sabal palms and other landscape features. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will fund these projects. FDOT has indicated their willingness to install state entrance signage as part of these efforts, according to Parsons.

FDOT will construct the areas with the expectation of the county carrying on the maintenance. Commissioners approved Liberty Partners to draft a letter of acceptance on the countyÂ’s behalf.
FEMA Coordinator Bob Steinbaugh advised the board the funding for the Ammons Road culvert project has been obligated to fund the project for the installation of a new culvert and low water crossing. Once the state releases the funds, the project will go to bid for construction.

In other business, a land use change from rural residential to industrial was approved for an existing 15.55 acres in use by LKQ with an additional 25 acres being added to the existing business land.

The county tabled the issue of which roads and bridges to submit for the Small County Outreach Program (SCOP), Small County Road Assistance Program (SCRAP) and Bridge Small County Outreach Program (B-SCOP) projects for the five-year work plan.

The county did approve to be a part of the City of Bonifay SCOP project application for Weeks Road. Two-thirds, or one mile, of the project is within Bonifay city limits, and the remaining half mile is in the county. The stretch of road runs between Swifty Lube and Son-In-Law Road.

The Holmes County Board of County Commissioners will meet again in regular session at 6 p.m. Jan. 3.