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By next fall, people in downtown Salina will see the area in a new light.
The city commission approved a $3.1 million dollar project to redo the lighting downtown.
"The downtown is the heart of any community, it's the heart of Salina," Director of public works Michael Fraser said. "We feel this is an important project to bring people into the downtown."
On Santa Fe Street between Elm and Prescott, the city will replace many of the lights with LED. They will also replace some lighting in parking lots in adjacent streets.
Fraser says in 23 years, the project will end up paying for itself.
"This project is paid for with utility savings and that's the beauty the whole project," Fraser said. " The LED lights take less energy and produce more light, better light and the lower utility bills that it will have will provide the savings."
Business owners also say the new lights will be a good addition to the downtown area.
"I think it's going to be great," Martinelli's owner Tony Dong said. "Obviously, they are spending a lot of money, it's an investment in good down so I think its a good vote of confidence."
Dong says his customers have commented on the current lights.
"I have heard them mention they do look a little rundown and old," Dong said.
Those in Salina shouldn't have too long to wait for newer lights. The project should be done in November.