MAGNOLIA SPRINGS, Ala. — The town of Magnolia Springs is one step closer to building its first public sidewalk.

During its regular meeting Tuesday, the Town Council passed a resolution accepting an agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation regarding changes in plans for the walkway.

That vote was passed with council members Dotty Johnston and Ben ­­­ abstaining.

“I’ve voted against it each time,” Dykema said before the vote. “I can’t see changing now.”

Last September, ALDOT awarded a $337,493 Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grant to Magnolia Springs. It provided for the construction of a sidewalk along County Road 49, spanning from U.S. Highway 98 to Village Green Subdivision, as well as crosswalks across 49.

The Town Council voted to apply for the funding earlier in 2013. That decision was made with both Johnston and Dykema voicing opposition. At that time, the two town leaders said they felt money the town would need to match could better be used elsewhere.

Tuesday’s discussion revisited the town’s match, which is approximately $70,000.

“We’ve already paid $30,000 of that,” Town Clerk Karen Biel said.

In Tuesday’s discussion, Councilman Bob Holk reiterated that Tuesday’s vote was to accept the state’s approval to changes in the original plan, which included adding a second crosswalk that would lead to the old school property and adding paint to define the crosswalks.

“It’s going to be much safer than it is now,” Mayor Ken Underwood said.

Holk agreed.

“For years we heard, ‘We want a safer route across this street,’” he said. “Now we’re getting it. Bridges can look nice. I think it’s going to do the job.”

Underwood explained that once ALDOT approves Tuesday’s resolution, the town will advertise the project for bids.