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By Andrew Edwards

Luverne Mayor Ed Beasley and the Luverne City Council say they have plans to continue to improve quality of life for their residents.

For the past two years, council members have worked diligently to update infrastructure within the city – such as the 7-mile road-resurfacing project that was completed this past June.

Prior to this project, the city replaced 188 power line poles, resurfaced the walking trails at Turner Park, upgraded the sub-session power station from Alabama Power and fixed the telemetry system for three city-owned water wells.

On top of that, the city replaced four lift station pumps in 2020 and had an entire well replaced.

Currently, the city is in the process of completing several more projects – one of which will replace streetlight lamps with newer, better LED lights.

“We won’t replace every single light. We will strategically pick which ones need to be replaced depending on which lights go out first,” the city says.

Beyond the energy project, city officials have informed said that a grant has been approved for new aerators. This will make treatment of wastewater more efficient and will generate better environmental impacts for the surrounding area.

The city is also in the process of replacing fluoride scales at their three wells, and will be working closely with FEMA on replacing concrete flumes that failed in a recent flooding event.

Environmental damage is something that has plagued Luverne as of late, but the city has recently received reimbursement for storm cleanup, as severe weather has created vegetative debris over much of the area.

However, Beasley, who ran unopposed in the city’s election, has no intention of stopping there. Moving forward, the city has plans to build upon an already successful two-year overhaul.

Currently, members of the council have an application in hand for a Community Development Block Grant through ADECA that would allow the city to replace sewer line across Jeffcoat Street.

Also in the works is a grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which would allow the city to build a splash pad at Turner Park. Currently, the request has received conditional approval from the state and is awaiting federal occurrence.

Economic development is crucial for any city to stand on it’s feet – and with recent business growth in Luverne, such as the Jack’s Restaurant, roadways will have to be updated keep up with the sudden influx of industry.

That’s why the city is working with the Alabama Department of Transportation to install a turn lane into the upcoming Jack’s. However, the city doesn’t want to just stop there.

“We’re currently completing a corridor study that will evaluate all businesses along South Forrest for needs of a turn lane. We feel like established businesses should have an opportunity to have upgrades around their establishments as well,” the city says.

Furthermore, plans to install new sidewalks from 1st Street to Forrest Ave. and Hawkins are also in the works. Smart meters for electric and water meters are also being talked about. Finances for both of these projects would be through the Alabama Department of Transportation tap funds.

All project totals would amount to an estimated $5 million worth of work.