RIDGWAY – The Elk County Planning Department is scheduled to meet here tonight to receive proposals for projects under the federal community-development program.

Two proposed projects are in James City in Highland Township, according to Tracy Gerber, community-development block grant coordinator for the planning department.

One proposal calls for the installation of a “communitor” for the sewage treatment plant on West Virginia Avenue in James City. Gerber said this equipment also is known as a “grinder” because it reduces waste to minute particles.

The proposal is from the Highland Township Sewer and Water Authority, which oversees the water and sewage systems in James City. The estimated cost for the proposed sewer plant equipment is $80,000, Gerber said.

A second proposal is for the construction of a pavilion and concession stand at the recreation field in James City. Gerber said this proposal is from the Highland Township Recreation Association. She said the cost is estimated at $29,478.

At least eight other proposals from other Elk County municipalities are expected to be presented tonight to the planning department. The meeting at 7 o'clock in a conference room at the county annex building in Ridgway is open to the public.

According to Gerber, the estimated cost is more than $410,000 for the 10 known proposals coming before the planning department. Since this total is twice the amount available in federal funds, not all proposals can be accepted for funding, she said.

After reviewing the proposals submitted tonight, the planning department will make its recommendations to the Elk County Commissioners for projects to be funded with the latest Elk County allotment of federal community-development funds for areas with a majority of low and moderate-income families.

The commissioners will give final approval for the projects.

Gerber also said the planning department soon would be seeking bids for two Highland Township projects, which have previously been approved for federal funding under the community-development program.

The department will seek bids for materials only for fire hydrants at Tennessee Avenue and Windy City Road in James City. The cost estimate is $8,200, Gerber said.

According to Gerber, the Highland Township road crew will provide labor and equipment to install the hydrants. Bids for the hydrants are due Oct. 6, she said.

The planning department also will be seeking bids Oct. 6 for the installation of a propane-fired generator for the James City water system. Gerber said the cost is estimated at $24,000.

According to Gerber, the planners also are preparing to seek bids for the “jaws of life” tool for the Highland Township Volunteer Fire Department. No date has been set for the bids, she said. The cost estimate is $20,000, she said. The tool is used to free victims pinned in vehicles in traffic accidents.