US News

STIMULUS $$-GRABS ALL WET

Some towns in New York want to throw a pool party — with stimulus funds!

Read The Stimulus Wish List (PDF)

Municipalities across the state have asked for $183 million in federal relief money to fund new swimming pool projects, according to a wish list compiled by an office Gov. Paterson created to help him dole out the money.

But folks in Buffalo, Albany, The Bronx and Queens shouldn’t start blowing up the water toys just yet because the stimulus plan passed by Congress specifically prohibits using the federal cash for swimming pools.

“The intent of Congress is clear,” said a spokesman for Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), who drafted the amendment to the bill.

“Sending taxpayer funds to swimming pool projects is neither a legal nor legitimate use of stimulus dollars.”

New York is expected to get about $24.6 billion to update infrastructure, improve schools and job training. Requests for a cut of the cash are flowing into Albany.

The pool proposals are included on a 775-page list compiled by a new state agency, the Economic Recovery Cabinet.

The list was made public yesterday by Paterson’s office — and aides immediately tried to distance themselves from it.

“The list doesn’t represent in any way where the money will go,” said Erin Duggan, spokeswoman for Paterson.

“It’s by no means vetted — but we try to remove the really crazy stuff.”

A majority of pool-request money — $164 million — is for large rec projects that include pools.

The Coney Island YMCA, for example, asked for $13 million, while the Long Beach Recreation Center requested $30 million. St. Francis College in Brooklyn wants $7 million, and Arverne by the Sea, a Queens urban renewal project, seeks $20 million.

Ontario County asked for $42.5 million for an indoor “water world” that it claims would provide 1,800 construction jobs.

Erie County, where Buffalo is located, wants $5 million to convert outdoor pools to year-round facilities. Suffolk County wants $400,000 for pool revamps.

Additional reporting by Brendan Scott in Albany

geoff.earle@nypost.com