Maitland City Council will apply for $9.92 million for stage two of The Levee project, as part of the state government’s Resources for Regions grant program, if councillors approve the move at tonight’s meeting.

The money would combine with a previous federal government grant of $11.3 million as well as $10 million that council had invested for improvements to central Maitland.

Resources for Regions money would be used to build the river link structure at The Levee, improve the nearby river walk, laneways, footpaths, car parks and install public art.

A staff report noted that The Levee fulfilled the grant criteria because it would boost economic growth and productivity and would significantly enhance public ­infrastructure. The mayor of Maitland, Cr Peter Blackmore, said a successful grant application would mean less money for the project would come from ratepayers.

“It [the grant] would be a tremendous help,” he said.

“We were disappointed that federal funding didn’t eventuate.

“Of course, we put a lot of faith in our local member Robyn Parker to give her support.

“There were a number of projects that we looked at but The Levee always stood out in front by itself.”

Maitland became eligible for a slice of the $160 million in mining royalties after Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner declared the region as mining affected in May.

Singleton, Muswellbrook, Mid-Western Regional, Cobar, Lithgow, Wollongong, Cessnock, Narrabri, Broken Hill, Newcastle and Maitland are the regions eligible for mining money.

Expressions of interest for this round of funding are due by August 15, with a short-list of projects to be announced in September.

Councillors will also discuss 

buying properties at 398 and 400 High Street, which would be removed to make way for the river link, in a closed session of council tonight.

The first stage of work is expected to be completed in early 2015.