As local governments jockey, wish lists in hand, for a share of federal stimulus money, it appears that a Murrieta project is the only one in southwest Riverside County likely to receive highway funds.

"Out of all the projects in Riverside County, that's a top runner," said Jim Holston, Murrieta's assistant city manager.

The upgrade of Interstate 215 at Clinton Keith Road, which would widen the overpass from two lanes to six and create two loop ramps, is one of five candidates on a Riverside County Transportation Commission shortlist. Murrieta would receive $10 million in federal stimulus toward the $35 million total price tag.

California is set to receive $2.57 billion in highway funds from the $787 billion federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The transportation commission, which will be responsible for doling out the money, expects to receive anywhere from $35 million to $71 million for Riverside County.

Deputy Director John Standiford said the commission is focusing on "projects that can have a bigger impact," such as freeway interchanges. The catch, he said, is that very few projects meet the federal government's "shovel-ready" criteria -- that is, ready to have money allocated within about 90 days.

Holston said the Clinton Keith project should open for bids next month with construction starting by July. The project was already funded, Holston said, so even if the federal stimulus money falls through it will still go ahead as planned.

"If it qualifies it would free up grant funds to be used on other projects," Holston said.

The funds could be used instead for projects such as extending Jackson Avenue to Ynez Road, which would create a new link between Murrieta and Temecula, or realigning Antelope Road.

Temecula, Menifee

Temecula Mayor Maryann Edwards said her city is looking for stimulus money to fund longstanding projects such as the Murrieta Creek Flood Control Project.

For years, Temecula has sought millions to complete phase two of the project, which will reinforce the creek sides from First Street to Winchester Road and replace the Main Street bridge. The $14 million second phase is part of a four-part, $117 million project to prevent a flood of Murrieta Creek.

Another Temecula project city officials are eyeing is the French Valley Interchange, a series of improvements intended to relieve Interstate 15 congestion. Also, the city has sought federal dollars in the past for the "Ultimate Interchange" to improve traffic flow at I-15 and Highway 79 South.

The City Council earlier this year sent its wish list to federal lawmakers asking for $65.35 million for the flood control project, the two interchanges, an Old Town gymnasium and a work force development program.

Menifee City Manager George Wentz said, so far, Menifee is planning to pitch three major projects. The highest priority is a $70 million Romoland-Homeland Flood Control Project, which involves building drainage facilities for a 14-square-mile area to help eliminate flooding of state Highway 74. It would protect Heritage High School, the new power plant in Romoland and the Southern California Edison substation and maintenance facility.

Perris, Lake Elsinore

Perris plans to seek funding for several projects, including $1.8 million in upgrades to the city's decades-old water system, $400,000 in sewer improvements to the downtown area, and a several-million-dollar installation of a gravity sewage line in the Enchanted Heights area. The city would also like to purchase several alternative fuel vehicles for the public works department.

Lake Elsinore officials want to see if the construction of a Franklin Street entrance ramp to Interstate 15 might be a candidate for stimulus money. They would also like to rehabilitate a boat launch off Riverside Drive that has been closed for more than five years.

"We are going to meet with our congressman to see which projects could qualify for the stimulus money, and go from there," Lake Elsinore Mayor Robert Magee said.

In addition to the 215/Clinton Keith project, Murrieta is making inquiries about stimulus funds designated for public safety. The money could fund two new police positions that have been put on hold because of the economic downturn.

Murrieta Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Bennett and Councilman Doug McAllister are traveling to Washington this week for a National League of Cities conference and plan to make their case to legislators.

"They're going to knock on the doors and see what they can do," Holston said. "So is everybody else in the country."

Staff writers Jeff Horseman, Aaron Burgin and Julissa McKinnon contributed to this report.

Reach Sarah Burge at 951-375-3736 or sburge@PE.com