JAMES CITY -- It appears likely that federal funds will be allocated for a "grinder" device at the sewage treatment plant in James City.

The Highland Township Water and Sewer Authority filed an application for an $80,000 allocation under the federal community-development program. The request is for a "comminutor," which is used to grind up waste as it enters the sewage treatment plant.

The Elk County Planning Commission, which oversees the community-development program, has given preliminary approval for the James City sewer project. Following a second public hearing next Wednesday, the commission is expected to include the project in its recommendations to the Elk County Commissioners. The commissioners may approve the project at their meeting Nov. 3.

The James City sewer project is one of seven proposed for funding under the next round of the federal community-development program in Elk County. Others include:

•Lamont Community Association-- $13,600 for a handicapped accessible restroom and front door at its building.

•Wilcox Public Library-- $14,300 for a handicapped accessible door, ramp, platform and parking area.

•Jones Township Senior Center-- $10,800 for the lowering of the ceiling and the installation of ceiling fans.

•Bennetts Valley Senior Center-- new senior center building, $50,000.

•Ridgway Township-- handicapped accessible parking lot and wood chips around a play area at Sandy Beach Park, $5,500.

•Johnsonburg Community Center-- cushion tile in the lockerrooms around the pool and new conduit and ventilation fans in the pool area, $21,817.

The hearing next Wednesday is set for 2 p.m. at the conference room in the courthouse annex in Ridgway.