AUGUSTA -- A proposal to assist Kenway Corp. in obtaining a $300,000 state grant goes to the City Council tonight.

Kenway, a Riverside Drive-based composites manufacturer, is seeking the city's help in obtaining state Community Development Block Grant funding for research on a new manufacturing process.

Ian Kopp, vice president and general manager of Kenway, said the $1.8 million project needs about 10 workers immediately and could lead, in 12 to 24 months, to about 100 jobs in Augusta.

The new manufacturing process could allow Kenway to build parts to be used in large composite wind turbine blades that now are generally made overseas.

Municipalities can apply for the CDBG funding on behalf of a company. The city played a similar role in 2007 when it received a $400,000 CDBG grant to help fund a major expansion at Kenway.

The grant would require the creation of 10 jobs. If those jobs aren't created, the state could demand the money back, possibly from the municipality involved.

City Development Director Michael Duguay said the city can take steps to protect itself from that possibility.

Councilors meet at 7 p.m. in council chambers at Augusta City Center.

They are also scheduled to:

* consider accepting a $200,000 grant from the Maine Department of Transportation for terminal improvements at the Augusta State Airport;

* consider certifying the results of the Nov. 3 election;

* consider changes to city ordinances recommended by a subcommittee to strengthen and clarify city rules regulating the storage of recycling, rubbish, waste and unregistered vehicles on private property; and

* hold a closed-door session to discuss labor negotiations.

Keith Edwards -- 621-5647

kedwards@centralmaine.com