The City of Linden may have found a funding opportunity for a proposed Alabama Hunting, Fishing and Wildlife Museum. According to mayor Mitzi Gates the city has applied for a federal transportation grant that has funds set aside to promote tourism.

“This is the first batch of the stimulus money,” city administrator Cheryl Hall told the city council Tuesday night. “We are trying to get a portion of $15 million which is available for the matching grants.”

Last month, Linden announced it is planning to open the museum and claim title to the designation “Hunting and Fishing Capitol of Alabama!”

“The creation of this museum will serve as the springboard for non-traditional economic development and recruitment,” said Gates. She added that it would be located inside the old Marengo County Courthouse building.

Gates said public works director, Terry Tyson, and Hall worked to develop a grant application after learning of the opportunity only three days before the application deadline on Friday.

“They have put together a great package. I feel our chances being awarded a grant are good,” said Gates.

In other business,

The Linden City Council voted to not to send any council members from attending the weeklong Alabama League of Municipalities Convention in May. The council decided that under the constraining economic times it would be best to just send mayor Mitzi Gates as the city’s representative.

Kory Mills asked the Linden City Council for permission to apply for an on-premises alcohol license for a new Mexican restaurant in Linden, The Two Hot Tamales. The council approved with a unanimous vote.

Rory Cassidy of Advanced Disposal requested the council extend the city’s contract for residential solid waste pick-up and disposal for three more years. The current contract expires at the end of the year. The city council voted unanimously to extend the contract effective January 2010.

Councilman Mike Carlisle reported that Sherry Lewis, the owner of the new Whistle Stop II restaurant in Linden, plans to open Thursday. The long-awaited new diner is located in the old Bullett’s building across from City Hall. Lewis also owns J&K Junction in Toxey and The Whistle Stop in Butler.