POMEROY — Meigs County Commissioners are preparing possible infrastructure projects in hopes that funding from the federal economic stimulus program will help finance them.

It is possible that a proposed emergency room and health center facility could qualify for funding, commissioners said Tuesday, although specific guidelines for applications have not been laid out.

With approval of the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Ohio is expected to receive millions in federal funds to speed up public infrastructure projects.

“At this time we do not know what will be available, or what type of projects will be approved,” Commissioner Mick Davenport said. “However, it is our hope that the program provides the flexibility that will allow communities to determine what projects are most beneficial to the local economy.”

Davenport said local villages have identified projects that might qualify as “shovel ready” by later this year, in hopes they might receive funding. The Village of Middleport has identified sewer and water projects as potentials for funding, Pomeroy a water line and water meter replacement project, and Syracuse and Racine are also moving ahead with plans for a water line extension and sewer extension project.

Villages have also identified street paving projects for possible funding, and the county has done the same for county roads. One stipulation has been made clear: Projects must be ready to go to bid and begin construction by mid-year.

Davenport has led efforts in recent years to expand health care services in the county, and the Community Improvement Corporation owns real estate near U.S. 33 at Rocksprings it hopes to use to construct a 24-hour emergency room and clinic.

Davenport said architectural plans will likely be readied quickly if such a project could be funded, so construction could begin later this year. Again, he emphasized that local governments are closely monitoring a state website to determine program and project guidelines, and that any plans to prepare projects for readiness are being made only as a “just in case” basis.

If constructed, the medical facility could house not only an emergency room, but outpatient services and family practice physician services through the Family Health Care federally-qualified health center now operating in Middleport through a federal grant program. However, no details about services or occupants have been determined.

Such a facility is not the only project under consideration for stimulus funding at the county level. Commissioner Tom Anderson said the board is also considering a proposal for a new industrial park, perhaps in the Great Bend area.

Projects for stimulus funds are designed to provide jobs while under construction and once they are completed. Those who have submitted project forms that meet eligibility requirements will receive an e-mail with instructions to apply for funds, the governor’s office said last week.