MAGNOLIA SPRINGS, Alabama — Magnolia Springs residents could be putting one foot in front of the other on new sidewalks before too long.

During its regular May workshop last week, the Magnolia Springs Town Council discussed a $477,000 federal grant.

Andrew James of Volkert Inc., who is assisting the town in the process, explained that the grant would require the town to pay 20 percent of the cost of the project.

“The city would pay $140,000,” he said.

For that, the project proposes providing a six-foot wide concrete sidewalk along County Road 49, spanning from U.S. Highway 98 to Village Green subdivision entrance and expanding to eight feet along the bridge to allow for a pedestrian walkway across it.

James said the decision-making process usually takes about three months. Since the application deadline is in June, that would mean the town could hear back in September.

While that could be good news, it isn’t a sure thing. The council discussed the fact that similar applications for federal grants to fund such a project have not been approved.

“They don’t tell you why you don’t get it,” James said.

Council members and Magnolia Springs resident David Lawrence asked if providing letters from the Baldwin County Trail Blazers and town residents help this application. James said they could, even if not used in their full form.

Lawrence also asked the council if they had another plan to provide the sidewalks if the town doesn’t get the federal grant.

“I’ve put together some information,” he said, offering to assist the council to bring the project about.

“You’re welcome to come to the Public Works and Safety Committee meetings,” Magnolia Springs Mayor Ken Underwood told him.

Lawrence said he would attend and present his ideas to the committee.