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Buying a fire engine for the Oak Creek area has been named the county's top priority of three grant applications.

A countywide committee on Tuesday prioritized three local grant requests for Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Program funds. The Oak Creek Fire Protection District's request for a $230,000 grant to help buy a new fire engine came out on top.

The local committee ranked the Steamboat Lake Water and Sanitation District's request second. The water district is asking for a $500,000 grant and $270,000 loan for the second phase of upgrades to its wastewater treatment plant.

The town of Oak Creek's request for $70,000 to add second-floor access and parking to the South Routt Community Center was third.

The Department of Local Affairs, which administers the fund, will decide which grants to award late this summer.

The new fire engine would replace the fire district's main engine, which has had recurring problems. Oak Creek Fire Chief Chuck Wisecup called the current engine "questionably functional."

If a fire happened today in the Oak Creek district, Wisecup said the Steamboat Springs or Yampa departments would have to be called for backup. On a recent call, firefighters had trouble shifting the vehicle to high gear -- one of several issues that Wisecup thought were fixed.

Routt County Commissioner Nancy Stahoviak said a larger cash match would make the fire district's grant application more attractive. The district has committed $50,000 of its reserves for the new engine but probably could commit another $20,000, Wisecup said.

The statewide Energy Impact committee also might suggest the district consider a lease-to-purchase agreement, Stahoviak said. Wisecup responded that financing the new Stagecoach fire station already is stretching the district, and a leased engine would stretch it more.

The Steamboat Lake Water and Sanitation District is asking for $770,000 to help design and install a new wastewater treatment plant. In August 2004, the state cited the district for exceeding capacity during spring run-off. The total cost of the project is $920,000, and $150,000 would come from the district's reserves.

The town of Oak Creek is asking for $70,000 for second-floor access and parking at the South Routt Community Center. The center provides space for nonprofit organizations that serve residents of South Routt County.

Second-floor access would provide safer access for seniors and residents with disabilities, as well as a more efficient delivery route for food and other supplies needed, grant writer and Mayor Kathy "Cargo" Rodeman said.

The remainder of the $94,000 estimated cost could come from the South Rout Community Center's budget and other organizations.

The Energy Impact program receives funds from taxes on energy and mineral production and royalties from mining and drilling on federal land. It supports communities affected by energy and mining industries.