Pineville—The city of Pineville is currently waiting to for news regarding the status of several grants that promise to improve various areas of the city.

At the regular monthly meeting of the City Council Monday night, Mayor Sherwin Rader reported that a rural development grant for which the city has applied may result in a gift of $72,470. If awarded, the money will fund the purchase of three new street vehicles and a salt truck. After the severity of last winter’s weather, the salt truck would be a welcome addition.

“If we do get that it, will solve a lot of issues,” said the mayor.

Council member Pat Bingham had more news about pending grants. She informed the council that an application for a $600,000 grant and corresponding documentation has made it to Washington. That grant will fund the separation of the storm water from the sewer.

“It really looks good,” said Bingham of the grant’s chances.

Another grant that is being processed would give the city $6 million for the Clean Water Revolving Fund for Virginia Avenue.

“Its been reviewed and prioritized, and its on a list of 51 to be funded, and its number 15. So it looks good, like its going to receive funding,” Bingham stated.

The mayor also disclosed that work will soon begin on the flood wall, and that the funding for that project has already been received.

In other business, the council approved the appointment of Patrick McCarty to fill the unexpired term of Calvin Capps to the Main Street Board.

Regarding Main Street events, Mayor Rader informed the council that the fourth annual KidsFest celebration will be held on Friday, August 28th, beginning at 1:00 p.m. The main street board has also formed a committee to host fundraisers for future events and projects. The first event scheduled will be in October, when UNITE will join the board to open a haunted house. More information on Main Street events, can be found on their facebook page.

Rader also spoke with a representative from New Wave Communications about the on-going upgrades that the company is making in Pineville. Work on the project should be completed by the end of the month.

Residents of Stewart Branch may be able to get New Wave services soon. The company’s representative told the mayor that they will work to install the necessary components to bring service to the area.

The council also voted to follow the proper procedure in legally closing an alley in New Town that has been unofficially closed since the 1980s. Bell Whitley Community Action Organization has purchased property connected to the alley and plans to help two low income families build homes there.

Additionally, the council approved the minutes of the last regular meeting and the special meeting held the following week. A replacement for Joyce Dozier’s seat on the Pineville Utility Commission was also appointed.

Lorie Settles is a staff writer for the Daily News. She can be contacted via e-mail at lsettles@heartlandpublications.com.