LEWISTON – City officials will ask for federal help paying for newly settled refugees during a trip to Washington, D.C., Monday.

Mayor Larry Gilbert and Deputy City Administrator Phil Nadeau are scheduled to attend a reception in Washington with the National Civic League in honor of the city winning All-America City status this summer.

During the trip, they plan to meet with federal agencies and Maine’s congressional delegates to press for increased federal funding for refugees and new immigrants.

They estimate that 3,100 immigrant refugees have moved to Lewiston and about 500 to Auburn since February 2001. About 85 percent are Somali or Bantu Somali.

They require city services, including training in English as a second language, job counseling and health care.

“Over the last few years, we’ve learned that this matter is handled and funded by the state and local governments,” Nadeau said. “But the truth is, the federal government does have a significant role to play dealing with this. It’s not been as high profile an issue lately, and we’re trying to get more attention on it.”

The city has prepared a 40-page report outlining its concerns and recommendations.