City tries to 'cash in' on stimulus money

Thousand Oaks is applying for $40.3 million in competitive grants from federal stimulus money available for shovelready projects.

The undertakings must add jobs, begin in 120 days and be completed in two years.

The city is hoping for grants from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009 funds for 21 projects, including a $1-million grant for the Schillo Gardens Apartment for green retrofit projects. The $393,000 grant for reinstatement of a traffic hitandrun investigator will cost the city an additional $491,000 for expenses not covered by the grant. The grant should completely cover the $235,000 needed for a community resource officer civilian position.

A broadband technology upgrade to improve City Council chambers for a better quality live telecast could be completed with a $500,000 grant matched by non-general fund sources. Free access to library computers could also be expanded using a $90,000 grant matched by non-general fund sources.

Also on the list is $1 million in storm drain improvements. Drinking water improvements could come from several grants including one for $5 million, a $500,000 grant and another for $550,000. The Hill Canyon Wastewater Treatment Plant could receive $12 million; the reservoir could be repainted and recoated for $1.6 million; a water meter replacement grant could bring in $900,000, and water service lines could be replaced for $4.5 million.

Wilder Water Storage and Pump Stations facility is hoping for a grant for $3 million, and a new pump station could be built with a grant for $1.2 million.

A citywide solar project grant is being sought for $5 million. More energy grants include $1.6 million to increase the uses of energy from fats, oil and grease.

The City Council voted unanimously to pursue these grants along with money from federal formula grants.

The formula grants could buy five new DialaRide vehicles for the city with $425,000 grant money.

A grant for $1.3 million could build a Conejo Creek bike path.

The city is also seeking $860,000 for pavement improvements for city streets.

The Thousand Oaks Police Department could get $80,000 for surveillance and high-technology crime equipment for the special enforcement unit.