Commission approves pursuit of state grant to run water to Walter B. Williams Park and parts of Highway 212

The Baldwin County Board of Commissioners authorized county staff to seek state economic and infrastructure grant funds to run water lines from Highway 212 to Highway 22, a project staff said would bring water to the Walter B. Williams Park property and nearby development corridors.

County manager Carlos Tobar told the board that the grant notice had a short turnaround and staff prepared a pre-application to the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission. The proposed route would provide water down Highway 212 from Merriweather and connect to Highway 22, delivering water to the Walter B. Williams Park site and the soccer complex, which currently lacks a city water connection.

Tobar noted about 6,000 feet of line would serve part of the Walter B. Williams property and that having county-controlled water would reduce dependence on the city for park operations. He did not present a final cost estimate at the meeting and told commissioners they would be informed when the estimate was ready. Commissioners voted to authorize staff to pursue the grant application; Tobar said the board would have the option to accept or decline any award once costs are known.

The board discussed matching requirements; staff indicated a potential 20% match might apply to the grant but that details would be clarified in the application process. Commissioners instructed staff to return with cost estimates and any match obligations before final acceptance of funds.