AUBURN – A storm water project planned for this summer along the streets east of Pettengill Park is in the hunt for $2.3 million in federal stimulus money.

“It’s not a sure thing, yet,” Normand Lamie said. “We’re still listed as potential recipients of the money, but I’m fairly optimistic.”

Lamie, superintendent for the Auburn Water and Sewer district, said he expects to learn next week if the city and the sewer district will get the money – a $689,293 grant and a $1.66 million, no interest loan.

To qualify, the district must be able to break ground by April 30.

“We’re a step ahead because we went ahead and did the design work on the project a year ago,” Lamie said. “Plus, we went ahead and got all of the engineering and environmental permits. So we’re as close to ready as we can be.”

The project involves digging up the storm sewer lines under Turner, Summer, Winter and Whitney streets from Center Street northwest to Mayfield Road. That area is also known as the Perryville neighborhood.

Lamie presented the plan to councilors Monday at the start of their workshop meeting, along with a letter from the state Department of Environmental Protection explaining the process. Councilors are scheduled to vote their support for the project at their next meeting April 6.

City Manager Glenn Aho said the project would save the city about $1.6 million.