Rural town's stinky situation solved - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

The town of Mosses is on the move!

A $350,000 dollar grant paves the way for leaders in the small Lowndes County town to install a sewer system.

After more than 30 years of relying on septic tanks residents won't be putting up a stink much longer.

Take it from Pauline Johnson.

"Oh hallelujah!"

Something most of us take for granted has become Mosses' crown jewel.

"It's just gonna be a blessing to the community because every house you pass coming down into here—every one of us has a septic tank," she says.

Johnson says over time the tanks either get full, back-up or simply fail--creating some stinky situations.

"It was coming back in the tub, the stool, and just running back in the house."

She admits, finding the money to fix it is difficult.

"You got to come out your pocket with that."

But in a few months, those problems should be no more for some residents.

The grant from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will pay for the first phase of the town's sewer system.

"The first 90 homes in Mosses and hook them up to the city sewer," says Mosses Mayor Walter Hill.

Mayor Hill believes this basic infrastructure is the key to Mosses' future.

"This will allow and afford us the opportunity to move forward with economic development. To go and begin to encourage businesses to come to this community, to consider this community."

"It needs some jobs and things to come in here for the young people," adds Johnson.

While the sewer line is expected to help with economic development, residents also hope it helps eliminate smells seeping from septic tanks.

"Sometimes you smell it, sometimes," adds Johnson.

Mayor Hill says once the money is used he will start applying for more grants to finish the project. For now, he marvels at what he already has--including the possibilities that come with it.

Mayor Hill expects Phase 1 to be complete by the end of the year. He says most residents will be able to hook to the sewer line free of charge.

Copyright 2012 WSFA 12 News. All rights reserved.