SCHERERVILLE | Town officials have received initial approval to spend federal dollars on road improvements and upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant.

The town has $320,319 to spend on three road improvement projects, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The projects are awaiting approval from the Indiana Department of Transportation, Town President Perry Ferrini said.

"We are confident of final approval because, as of last Thursday, Schererville was the only community in Lake County to have its engineering designs completed and turned in," Ferrini said. "And it is our understanding that INDOT is diligently working to expedite the final approval process."

Ferrini said the projects in line for approval are:

• Kennedy Avenue from Main Street to Junction Avenue

• Lincolnwood Avenue from U.S. 30 to 77th Avenue

• 77th Avenue from U.S. 41 to Austin Avenue

With the money, the roads will be repaved and restriped, and the shoulders will be reworked, Public Works Director Jeff Huet said.

Schererville officials submitted $8.09 million in shovel-ready projects for improvements to the town's wastewater treatment plant. The town received initial approval on an expected ARRA grant for $2.05 million, which does not have to be paid back, Ferrini said.

The remaining cost of the improvements, about $6 million, would be funded by a state revolving fund loan, which is available to the town at a low interest rate that is yet to be determined, he said.