MONTICELLO – A $62,500 Delta Regional Authority grant bringsMonticello closer to a $3 million boulevard and frontage roadproject, but officials said it will still be some time for the pathto be paved.

“What this will do is allow for the majority of the engineeringwork – soil samples, flagging the route and other preparatorywork,” said Mayor David Nichols.

The town has already paid approximately $25,000 forenvironmental, archeological and other required studies, he said,but the grant is the first to help officials meet the $3 millionestimated cost of the project.

“We’re still pursuing other grants,” Nichols said, “but a bondissue will likely be needed for the project. I won’t know thosefigures until after the engineering study.”

The engineering study will determine the costs of clearing theroute, purchasing the rights-of-way, paving and lighting.

For the complete story and more local news, become a subscriberto The DAILY LEADER. Contact The DAILY LEADER at 601-833-6961 tosubscribe today!