All Thorsby citizens are encouraged to attend a public hearing on Wednesday, June 30 that will address the proposed replacement of a bridge on West Medical Center Drive.

The discussion about the bridge will be part of a bigger discussion on the town’s application for the fiscal year 2010 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

The hearing will begin at 5 p.m. in the Thorsby Municipal Annex located next to the fire department.

“The city needs as much local participation as possible in order to reflect the true desires of the community as a whole, as well as comments relating to the proposed project application,” Mayor Dearl Hilyer said.

Citizens in attendance will be asked to voice what they feel are the strengths and weaknesses of the community. The town will use the verbal input gathered at the meeting to develop a “needs assessment document,” which will assist in the grant application process.

The state has established a maximum application request for each funding category. Activities that are eligible for funding include the improvement of public works, public facilities, housing rehabilitation and others allowed by law.

At least 51 percent of the funds must benefit low- and moderate-income persons. According to a public hearing notice issued by the town, the bridge replacement project would largely benefit people who fall in those categories. The total project cost is estimated at $169,760.

Hilyer said the ultimate goal is to replace the bridge and to resurface a portion of the adjoining roadway with asphalt.

“All citizens, including those in the targeted area, are encouraged to attend in order to comment on the proposed activities,” Hilyer said.

For more information, or if you require special accommodations at the hearing, call Town Clerk Denise Gunn at 646-3575.