Pembroke Clerk of Works Ricky McCoy made a big announcement at Monday’s city council meeting: the city has received a nearly $500,000 Community Development Block Grant to help fund improvements to Pembroke’s water system.
The grant proved to be a case of “if at first you don’t succeed, try again” as it was initially applied for in 2012, but the city just missed being awarded a grant “due to extreme competition,” according to city officials.
That prompted city staff members to work “even harder on compiling a more competitive application for the 2013 grant cycle,” according to a city press release.
Then, in March, Pembroke learned from Department of Community Affairs Deputy Commissioner Brian Williamson that it would get a 2012 grant after all if the city was ready to move ahead with its project.
Bids are expected to be received in November for Pembroke’s project, which is aimed at helping ease brown-water problems experienced by city residents, according to the city, which formally accepted a ceremonial check for $498,102 on Sept. 6 in a ceremony conducted by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

Read more in the Sept. 18 edition of the News.