MAGNOLIA SPRINGS — With a 3-2 vote last week, the Magnolia Springs Town Council agreed to apply for an Alabama Department of Transportation TAP grant that would fund the construction of a sidewalk on County Road 49.

That sidewalk would reach from the Village Green subdivision to U.S. Highway 98. It would also provide a walking path across the Magnolia River Bridge that spans 49.

However, council members Dotty Johnson and Ben Dykema voted against the action. Before the vote, both voiced opposition to the 20 percent of full cost the town would be responsible for, which could be as much as $140,000-150,000, with the grant possibly totaling $477,000.

“I just think it’s an awful lot of money to put into a sidewalk,” Johnson said. “We have some streets that are not being maintained as well as they should be.”

Dykema, who frequently walks along the path the sidewalk would take, had been a previous advocate of such a project. However, last week he echoed Johnson’s sentiment.

“I’ll just risk my life walking on the bridge again,” he said.

Mayor Ken Underwood voiced his support of the project.

“If we can afford to provide a service to the town, we should do it,” he said.

Magnolia Springs resident David Lawrence, who had previously approached the council about improving street safety, asked whether the town could find another, less expensive way to add sidewalks. Councilman Bob Holk said safety regulations must be followed, especially due to the width of the Magnolia River bridge.

“This may be our only chance to put a walkway (on the bridge),” he said.

Johnson pointed out that the town would have to borrow the money to fund its portion of the project. But Holk said he had already estimated the payment plan.

“If you look at it over a 10-year period, you’ve got $12,000 to $14,000 a year at paying it off,” he said.

Johnson then added that she was not in favor of the maintenance that would follow such a project.

“Once we put in a sidewalk, we would have to weed and mow it,” she said.

“We already mow around the streets,” Underwood replied.

However, Magnolia Springs resident Donna Eslinger reminded the council that upon attending Community Association meetings, she thought presentations of the town’s comprehensive plan included the addition of such a sidewalk. The council confirmed that it did. Eslinger, who frequently attends council meetings, pointed out that the issue had been a periodic topic of discussion.

“And (the council) has looked for a solution,” she said. “I’m sorry, but if you’ve got the opportunity, go for the grant. It’ll be a unifying thing for the town.”

Underwood, agreed.

“What’s the value of one life saved?” he asked.

The Town Council has unsuccessfully applied for state funding for the project in the past. In addition, residents and council members alike have express the desire to improve safety for pedestrians on that stretch of road.

With last week’s vote, the application process will proceed. The town anticipates hearing the results this fall.