FOLEY — Visitors to downtown Foley will have new public restrooms following the approval of almost $500,000 for the project by city council.

Council approved $486,616 in funding for the project at the John B. Foley Park at the intersection of Alabama 59 and U.S. 98 at the center of the downtown historic district. The facilities will replace the current restrooms at the site with a larger building to accommodate the growing use of the park, Jeff Phillips, Foley construction manager, said.

"It's about 1,200 square feet," he said. "It's going to be a lot bigger with more fixtures."

Phillips said construction is scheduled to begin in January 2024. Work should be complete in about six months.

He said the current restrooms will remain in operation while the new facilities are under construction. The old building will be demolished after the new restrooms are completed and open.