RACINE — Though many of the projects submitted to the federal government for stimulus money are far from reality, at least two of Racine’s eight project requests are “shovel ready,” according to Mayor J. Scott Hill.

A discussion of Racine’s proposed projects, their readiness, and the stimulus money was held at a recent meeting of Racine Village Council.

Hill said Racine’s water line replacement project and street paving project are ready to proceed with engineering and planning already completed. Racine has requested $631,900 in stimulus funds for the water line replacement project which will include: Replacement of 9,300 linear feet of water line with eight-inch PVC pipe, 130 linear feet of steel casings, 13 fire hydrants, 75 connect or re-connection of services to the distribution lines, 1,800 ton of asphalt to repair streets.

As for street paving, Racine has asked for $455,422 for 3.454 miles of 20-feet wide roads to be repaved. The village is asking for funds due to deterioration of roads and an anticipation of increased traffic due to the new Gatling, Ohio LLC Yellowbush Mine and American Municipal Power-Ohio’s proposed power plant in the area.

Although the village applied for stimulus funds for the commercial development of Sycamore Street, that project is now being reviewed for funding by the Appalachian Regional Commission. The project coincides with the development of a Dollar General store in the immediate area. The project includes two manholes, six catch basins, 1,678 linear feet of curb and gutter, 600 ton of asphalt, 3,740 linear feet of concrete for four-inch sidewalk, 300 linear feet of C900 water line, four gate valves, one fire hydrant, grading, seeding and mulching. Racine had asked for $208,150 in federal stimulus money for the project. Hill said he expects to hear something soon from ARC about the project.

Hill said he has also met with US Army Corps of Engineer personnel about a project to stabilize the riverbank at Racine. The project would likely cost around $1 million though the Corps has a program which could possibly finance up to 65 percent of the cost, leaving the village share at around $320-350,000. No formal agreements or plans have been reached for this project and it is only in the discussion phase.

Council approved $2,200 for six tires for Engine 21 of the Racine Fire Department.

Council approved the use of its chambers for personnel for AMP-Ohio to use from 9 a.m. - noon, tomorrow.

All members of council were present for the meeting.