Story Tools • • Holmes Beach seeks share from stimulus pot by Lisa Neff. islander Reporter Holmes Beach city officials have a wish list of possible projects to fund from the massive federal stimulus package approved by Congress. At least five projects have the attention of regional transportation planners: Replacement of sidewalks in the city, estimated to cost about $205,000. Improvements at the intersection of East Bay and Gulf drives, estimated to cost $270,000, and involving realignment of the intersection with a pedestrian crossing and possibly replacing the traffic signals with windproof traffic signals. Installation of new sidewalks in the city, estimated to cost $27,000. Replacement of curbing citywide, estimated to cost $210,000. Right-of-way landscaping, estimated to cost $52,000. These projects were grouped and ranked No. 5 on the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization’s priority list for stimulus projects, which was adopted last week. The Federal Highway Administration released the stimulus money for highway improvements March 3 and confirmed that the Manatee-Sarasota area could expect $14.1 million, which means Holmes Beach’s top projects likely will be funded. The wish list, prepared for the MPO by Holmes Beach public works superintendent Joe Duennes, also includes $30,000 for repairs to the 63rd Street boat ramp, $28,000 for new police and fire boat docks and $400,000 for improvements to the public works building.