Broward County Commissioners have decided to expand areas of Fort Lauderdale that are eligible for redevelopment money, and many in the South Middle River and Middle River Terrace neighborhoods couldn't be happier.

“This is a glorious day for us,” said former city commissioner Tim Smith.

Smith, also a board member of the Middle River Terrace Neighborhood Association, shared his enthusiasm at a recent meeting of the South Middle River Community Association.

The decision means the city can expand its redevelopment district to cover areas between Sunrise Boulevard and 13th Street north of downtown and permit tax money from the current redevelopment district to be used for improvements in the area.

“Until today, our two neighborhoods have been left out,” Smith said.

South Middle River Association president Robert Alcock said much of the money “will be in the form of matching grants — meaning we’ll have to raise money on our own.”

“But now when we request something, whether it’s a street light or a street sign, this will make it a lot easier to get the bucks.”

Alcock also said his association will need further study to determine the priorities for spending.