Congress avoided identifying specific projects in the bill, and much of the money will be distributed through traditional funding formulas. In other cases, funds will be provided to the states for distribution — a job assigned by Gov. Tim Pawlenty to Management and Budget Commissioner Tom Hanson.

Hanson will have his work cut out for him if cities, school districts, counties and townships across Minnesota were as ambitious in requesting money as southern Minnesota. The $600 million in 1st District requests is likely to be more than will be available for such projects in all of Minnesota.

Despite the high level of competition, St. Peter City Administrator Todd Prafke is hopeful about the list of projects his city has put forward. The projects meet the criteria for the stimulus package of being ready to go quickly and get construction crews to work, he said.

And the city emphasized the energy efficiency that would come from replacing the poorly insulated municipal building and fire hall. Other projects, such as a $1.8 million reconstruction of Old Minnesota Ave. on the north edge of town, are aimed at opening a prime area for retail development — something that would create more jobs if Wal-Mart or other companies develop there.

“We do have some projects that certainly make sense for our area,” Prafke said.