Brookhaven has been approved for a $61,775 Rural DevelopmentCommunity Facility Grant to assist with renovations for a new citypolice department, Third District U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering saidTuesday.

City officials welcomed the news about the funding.

“We’re excited to get it,” said Mayor Bob Massengill. “We have areal need to provide our police department with a newfacility.”

Police Chief Pap Henderson said the announcement was “very goodnews.” He expressed appreciation to Pickering for his assistance inthe grant process.

“Every little bit helps and we can definitely use that,”Henderson said.

A new location for the police department has not beendetermined.

City officials originally targeted the old Mississippi HighwayPatrol building on Highway 51 as the police department’s new home.However, last night, aldermen voted to begin the process of theselling the property, which has been appraised at $250,000.

Officials hope to use sale proceeds, $125,000 in budgeted cityfunds and the grant money toward a new police facility.

The grant funds come through the United States Department ofAgriculture, Pickering said.

“Law enforcement officers need a modern and professionalheadquarters to coordinate their duties and interact with thecommunity,” Pickering said. “I’m pleased these funds will go tohelp Brookhaven to assist with the opening of the new policestation.”