KITCHENER - City council earmarked 14 projects tonight, which they believe are the most deserving of monetary support through the federal infrastructure stimulus fund (ISF); and directed city staff to submit the list to the federal government for consideration.

The 14 projects councillors deemed most important, for funding under the ISF program are, in priority sequence:

* Infrastructure remediation ($26.6 million)
* Centre in the Square improvements ($1.2 million)
* McLennan Park development ($3.0 million)
* Consolidated maintenance facility (CMF) improvements ($14.0 million)
* CMF solar roof ($4.1 million)
* Solar retrofits ($1.2 million)
* Strasburg Road industrial project ($5.5 million)
* Accessibility improvements ($1.0 million)
* City hall lighting ($1.0 million)
* Bridgeport community centre ($2.1 million)
* Aquatic facility upgrades ($5.0 million)
* Energy management systems ($1.5 million)
* Sportsworld arena capital upgrades ($0.9 million)
* Kitchener public library improvements ($5.6 million)

''While I acknowledge that this federal funding application process has been difficult and protracted, I believe this is the best list of priorities for us to make at this time,'' said Mayor Carl Zehr. ''We potentially have a lot to gain if these projects receive support through the ISF program.''

The key components for funding projects under the ISF program are as follows:

* Projects must be completed by March 31, 2011;
* Projects would have not been built over the next two construction seasons (2009/10) without the federal and provincial funding;
* New construction is eligible; however, the primary focus will be on rehabilitation of existing assets;
* Applications for funding must be submitted to the Province of Ontario by May 1, 2009.

Kitchener is prepared to fund one-third of the total costs of these projects, permitting the federal and provincial governments agree to match the city's contribution under the ISF program.

City staff will bring a report forward to council with funding options for the city's share once the city receive response from the federal and provincial governments on its funding application.

''However successful we are in gaining this funding, we will still have to put up a substantial amount of our own dollars to cover the total cost of these projects,'' said Coun. John Gazzola. ''If and when the time comes, we must take a serious look at how all of this could affect our taxpayers, should we be called upon to pay one-third of the cost for all of these projects.''

''I'm happy to see such a diverse list of projects -- projects that would improve many areas of our community,'' added Coun. Kelly Galloway. ''But we also have to be cautious, and be aware that -- even with support from the federal and provincial governments -- we could still end up with a large bill to cover ourselves.''

These capital projects will stimulate the local economy through the creation of new jobs while considerably improving the condition of the city's infrastructure resulting in long-term benefits for the community; while also helping to address the local portion of the rapidly growing $123 billion national infrastructure deficit.