NEWMAN – The city was allocated $305,000 in federal stimulus money for its downtown plaza by the  Stanislaus County Council of Governments (StanCOG) policy board last Wednesday – far less than local leaders had hoped.

City Manager Michael Holland said initial staff recommendations were that Newman be given full funding through the stimulus package for the $2.3 million initial phase of its long-awaited downtown plaza.

But the numbers associated with the stimulus package have been in continuous flux, and the proposed shares of the county’s initial $10 million stimulus allocation shifted as well, Holland said.

The city of Modesto and Stanislaus County each received more than $3 million, according to published reports.

“It was simply political maneuvering by the county and by Modesto and some of the other cities as well,” Holland commented. “It was disappointing, but you had to believe that at some point politics were going to kick in when you are talking big numbers like this.”

Modesto and Stanislaus County representatives make up a majority of the policy board, he added.

“It is still $300,000, and we are seeking other avenues for additional funding within the stimulus package. We will pursue money for the plaza, a new well and infrastructure extensions to open up some new business park land,” Holland said. “We still think money is out there, and have been in contact with our congressman’s office to see if they can help us.”

Holland said the city expects to go to bid in 30-45 days on the plaza project. Given the economic climate, he is expecting favorable bids on the project.

The plaza will be developed on what is now a downtown parking lot and Highway 33 frontage owned by the city. It is designed to create an link between the highway and Main Street, while serving as a gathering spot and location where special events can be held.