FOLEY — The city of Foley is expanding its vision for a dedicated Farmer’s Market, as evidenced in the City Council’s vote to apply for the final round of grants for the Gulf Tourism and Seafood Promotional Fund, which is part of the Deepwater Horizon settlement.

The idea for the venture is made possible by a $317,500 grant the city received from the fund received in December. That application included the addition of a farmer’s market on a 7,500-square-foot building on city property located near Wolf Bay Lodge on County Road 20.

Last month, Council accepted a proposal that will not exceed $18,000 from Watkins Acy Strunk Designs Inc. to design the market.

But in Monday’s work session, Foley City Administrator Mike Thompson said the limited amount a city can apply for is actually $500,000. He explained that the city has received positive response from possible participating vendors.

“We’ve been having much greater interest than we ever imagined,” he told the Council.

Therefore, he asked for the Council’s approval to seek the remaining allotted $182,500, which would fund additional funding and extra amenities. Foley City Economic Development Director Jeff Rouzie added that one possibility could be to consider work on a second building on the property.

The Council approved the application, and further discussion clarified that the venture would not interfere with the downtown summer Farmer’s Market in Heritage Park.