The town of Thorsby received a $250,000 community development block grant to be used for demolition and clearance.

According to Thorsby Mayor Robert Hight, the plan is to use the money to demolish the old school building.

“We have a lot of rundown buildings in town,” Hight said. “It’s been in the process, but the funds weren’t there.”

The building’s structure contains both asbestos and lead paint, which raises the cost of demolition in order to make sure that all materials are taken down and disposed of properly.

Once the building is torn down, the vacant land will become a parking lot that can be used for Thorsby High School athletics and other town events.

“Anytime you can get a grant, it’s a good thing,” Hight said. “It helps improve Thorsby’s image and will help invite and attract new people and businesses.”

The grant requires Thorsby to match 10 percent of the total amount.

“It’s a lot easier to come up with $25,000 than it is $250,000,” Hight said.

Thorsby was one of 26 towns, cities and counties from throughout the state that received grants during a ceremony in Montgomery on Jan. 24.

According to a press release, more than $6.3 million was handed out during the ceremony.

Town clerk Crystal Smith, Sen. Cam Ward and Rep. Jimmy Martin were on hand along with Hight to receive the grant check from Gov. Kay Ivey.