Natchez aldermen approved bid advertisement Tuesday for a traffic signal project on Canal and Franklin streets. City Engineer David Gardner said the city recently received a grant from the Federal Surface Transportation Department to improve traffic signals on the streets.

The project will connect signals by radio to computers at the city’s traffic department, allowing the signals to be controlled based on traffic volume rather than timers.

Gardner said the new system will save energy and gasoline, as well as cut down on congestion, noise and pollution by keeping the traffic flow moving.

Because of these benefits, the federal government provided the grant at 100 percent — meaning the city does not have to provide a funding match.

In other business, the board of aldermen:

— Accepted Mayor F.L. &uot;Hank&uot; Smith’s proclamation to celebrate Halloween on Tuesday, Oct. 31.

— Approved advertisement for bids for legal, appraisal and review appraisal services for the rebuilding of Government Fleet Road.

— Heard the report of Natchez Fire Chief Gary Winborne, who recently attended the dedication of a firefighters memorial in Maryland. Winborne is the president of the Mississippi Fire Chiefs Association.

— Heard the report of the tourism department that visitor numbers were down 10 percent in August, but rose again in September and are &uot;on track&uot; with the last year’s numbers for October.

— Approved a motion to develop a bill to send to the city’s legislative delegation to develop a water park in Natchez State Park.

— Heard the report of Ward 4 Alderman Theodore &uot;Bubber&uot; West, who announced the city’s insurance provider will offer defensive driving classes for drivers of city vehicles Oct. 24 and 31.

— Heard the report of Municipal Judge John Tipton, who said he will attend a seminar in Jackson this week about the problems with impounding vehicles created by the state’s second offense DUI law.

— Heard the report of Yvonne Robbins, Veterans Services, who said she plans to visit the Veterans Administration in Jackson next week to gather information about a future Natchez clinic.

— Heard the report of Paul Dawes, inspection department, who said the city issued 115 various permits in September for a total of $4,521 received by the city.

— Heard the report Tammi Mullins, Natchez Downtown Development Association who reminded the mayor and board of this weekend’s Brits on the Bluff antique car show, the upcoming Great Mississippi Balloon Race and the NDDA’s Halloween Howl on Oct. 31 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Farmer’s Market and Memorial Park.