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Lanett Mayor Jamie Heard said the city has a lot of programs to look forward to in the coming years.

At the start of the year, the city of Lanett will begin looking for a new manager for the Lanett airport which opened last year. Heard said the airport itself has been a success.

“We lost our manager, but the airport is moving in the right direction, and we hope to continue moving,” Heard said.

Heard said the council plans to discuss the open position at the first city council meeting of the year.

In 2023, the city of Lanett was awarded approximately $4 million from the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety Modernization Grant.

Heard said he hopes to begin the project of replacing gas pipes in the city.

With that being said, Heard also plans to continue work on paving roads in Lanett. He said each city council member was asked to compile a list of streets in their district that are a priority.

However, Heard said the city will need to plan out which roads are going to be dug up for the gas pipes before more paving can be completed.

On Jan. 13, the Lanett Restoration Committee is hosting a citywide cleanup day. From 10 a.m. to noon, citizens are invited to get rid of old furniture, appliances and other bulky items.

Reflecting on the past year, Heard said the senior center has come a long way. According to the mayor, the programs have improved thanks to Senior Center Manager Sandra Thornton and attendance is at maximum capacity.

“One thing I’ve been really pleased with is our senior program,” Heard said. “It has really blossomed from the start of 2023 up until now.”

The senior centerenter also has many projects in store for the new year. Heard said Thornton has been researching a grant that would fund minor repairs for the homes of some seniors in the community.

Heard said Council member Tony Malone is planning to begin a walking trail project at the riverfront this year as well.