It has taken more than a decade, but the City of Martin redevelopment project is finally moving forward.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has budgeted nearly one and half million dollars for the project to begin construction.

Last week, the Floyd County Fiscal court approved to match five percent of funds to add to the budget.

The project includes relocating the city to higher ground and then elevating the current city after redevelopment is finished.

"Essentially the town of Martin will be raised, it will be elevated to a level that will get it out of the flood plain," said Denise Thomas, an associate at Big Sandy Area Development District.

Before the current location of the City of Martin is elevated, businesses and city buildings must be rebuilt on the new land. The fire department will be the first building to go up.

Phase one will include five or six buildings that are essential to the city.

The budgeted funds will cover the costs of the new fire department.

"As adequate funding is put forth, these additional buildings will follow suit. Now that we have the fire department, it becomes a cornerstone to develop the others," said Floyd County Judge Executive R. D. "Doc" Marshall.

Officials say the project should help the city's economy.

"It is in the progress of becoming a wonderful city once again. It will take many, many years for this to happen," said Judge Executive Marshall.

Construction of the new fire department will begin in the spring.