FERRIDAY &045; The three-year wait is over.

Mayor Glen McGlothin received notification Tuesday that the town of Ferriday has been approved for a $1,385,000 grant for downtown revitalization.

&uot;We were approved for all of it,&uot; McGlothin told the board Tuesday. &uot;In 30 days we can have the first bid out.&uot;

The town applied for the grant in 2002 and plans so far include a pavilion, bandstand, a new fire station and renovating several downtown buildings. Lighting, trees and parking will also be included. McGlothin received approval Tuesday night to sign the application and return it for the funding.

The board also discussed their support for the Concordia Animal Welfare Shelter, saying CAWS will solve the town’s stray dog problem.

&uot;Everybody has been asking me about dogs,&uot; McGlothin said. &uot;This is the answer to our prayers about dogs. They will help us dispose of the dogs in a legal manner.&uot;

Work on the shelter is winding down and programs will soon be in place to reduce the dog population, Attorney Anna Ferguson said.

&uot;It is state of the art,&uot; Ferguson said. &uot;It is really something to be proud of.&uot;

McGlothin said the shelter’s spay and neuter program will help in the long run.

&uot;We have a dog problem,&uot; he said. &uot;And the way to eliminate it is spaying and neutering. It may take two to three years, but it’s going to work.&uot;

In other business:

4 The board approved a resolution from Entergy to develop a program that will offer assistance to those who have financial difficulty paying their light bill.

4 The board granted occupational licenses to Alkhedri Market, Dave’s Automotive and McSubs. Alkhedri Market also received its alcoholic beverage license.