Hull seeks beautification money for Hwy. 72 corridor

In coordination with Hull mayor Paul Elkins, Keep Madison County Beautiful coordinator Sandra Webb will apply for approximately $12,000 worth of funds from the Department of Transportation to improve the appearance of Hull’s main artery.

The grant would fund landscaping along the four-lane Hwy. 72 corridor that bisects Hull, improving both the median and the roadsides.

“They’ve come up with a tremendous proposal,” Webb said. “Hopefully, it will get somebody’s attention on the DOT level and we’ll hear something positive,”

Webb will submit the application at the end of the month, but isn’t sure when the DOT will render a decision.

“We know that grant money is scarce right now, but we’re not going to get anything if we don’t ask for it,” Webb said.

The county could apply for up to $50,000, but, so far, only Hull opted to participate this year — though Colbert expressed interest.

Webb said Hull put together a sterling plan that designates several different plant areas along Hwy. 72.

She said that will enhance the highway’s appearance year-round.

“One time you could look forward to the rose garden being in bloom and then the next thing, you could look forward to the azaleas being in full bloom,” Webb said. “They have thought this through to where they will have something in bloom pretty much all the time.”

The Hull landscaping plan also addresses erosion problems in the city.

If the money is granted, Hull will form a work force within the city to execute the plan.

If it’s not granted, it won’t be for a lack of planning.

Webb couldn’t say enough good things about Hull’s proposal.

“They have a super plan,” she said. “Their proposal is absolutely … if we get this grant, it will be a place of beauty. It is absolutely a wonderful plan.”