FUNDING REQUESTS

Stadium construction funding: $8 million. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center: $4.5 million Convention Center expansion and renovation: $4 million Banks Park: $1 million Music Hall garage (new) in Over-the-Rhine: $1 million Fountain Square garage renovation: $1 million TTT Place renovation: $500,000 Riverbend Pavilion design work: $250,000 Cincinnati Museum Center renovation: $500,000 Ensemble Theater expansion: $500,000

In a letter sent Friday to Gov. Bob Taft, legislative leaders and the county's Statehouse delegation, the region is asking for $21.25 million to further redevelopment of the central riverfront and other downtown and near-downtown areas, including Fountain Square and Over-the-Rhine.

But there are serious doubts about whether the state, in its current financial shape, will have enough money to find the entire amount.

Hamilton County Commissioner Phil Heimlich, who has expressed concern that the county will not get the $14 million in stadium money promised by the state, said he is pleased with the agreement.

Under the plan, the county would get $8 million in this capital budget, and the remaining $6 million in 2006.

"I feel very good about it, particularly the way we came together on the stadium funding issue," Heimlich said. "Now we're depending on our legislative representatives to get this funding to meet our priorities."

Lawmakers are expected to take up the capital budget this year after the November election.

Rep. Bill Seitz, R-Green Township, called the list a "meaningful and thoughtful first step" that takes away some of the guesswork for lawmakers.

"What it doesn't mean is that it is necessarily the list that is going to find its way into law," he said. "And it doesn't mean those that are not on the list are going to give up the effort."

If Hamilton County gets less than its $21.25 million - a request pared down from the initial $59 million wish list - local leaders have requested that an equal percentage be subtracted from each project.

E-mail jsiegel@enquirer.com