OTHELLO — The Othello City Council approved to put forth $30,000 to show their commitment in matching funds for a $600,000 infrastructure improvement project loan for the industrial area of state Route 24.

The city is applying for a Public Works Trust Fund loan for the improvements, said City Administrator Ehman Sheldon. By committing the funds for the project ahead of time, the city increases their chances of obtaining the loan.

The three-year construction project will begin in 2010, he said. It includes the highway and arterial roads including Moon Street, Canning Street, Lawson Street, Baker Street, Hudson Street, Teck Street, Park Street, Concrete Drive, Industrial Lane, Curtis Drive and Roosevelt Avenue.

The project includes replacing water and sewer lines and improving and replacing all the roadways, he said.

The project will alleviate the flooding on the west side of the industrial area, Sheldon said. He recalled seeing semitrucks having to be towed from the area due to flooding and many times the road is not usable and drivers must take a different route.

Sheldon said the area is a focus for improvements because no permanent improvements were done in the past. Previously the city did not do improvements due to a misunderstanding in the law leading them to believe the property owners were required to do the improvements.

Councilmember Ken Caylor motioned to approve the funds and Councilmember Tim Wilson seconded. It passed unanimously.