The price tag could climb above $900 billion for an economic stimulus bill Democratic leaders in Congress have pledged to have ready for President Barack Obama’s signature by mid-February.

But roads in Summit County probably will not benefit once the bailout money for infrastructure is divvyed among the states.

“We’re going to face some real challenges,” Summit County Public Works Administrator Kevin Callahan said about the impact budget belt-tightening could have on local transportation needs. “We’re going to have to find some additional resources.”

With Utah lawmakers facing budget shortfalls, however, most federal stimulus money the state receives if the bill is approved would likely be earmarked for maintaining state government operations near their current level next year.

“I’ve been told by [state lawmakers] the money is already spent,” deputy Summit County attorney David Thomas said.

Any money the county receives from Congress must come from the state Legislature, Thomas said.

Callahan said he hoped money from the proposed stimulus plan would help jumpstart the widening of State Road 224, which could help reduce traffic congestion at Kimball Junction. Summit County also needs money to install pedestrian underpasses in the Basin and to update the freeway interchange in Jeremy Ranch.

The stimulus plan will help fund mostly highway projects that are “shovel ready,” Callahan explained.

“You’re going to have to have it shovel ready by April 1, and you’re going to have to have it completed by Nov. 1,” Summit County Councilman David Ure said about projects that would qualify to receive federal funds.

But it’s likely the money in Utah will be used funding larger projects the Utah Department of Transportation cancelled last year when the economy began to tank.

“We’re prepared, but [the money] is not coming to us,” Thomas said.

Tunnels underneath S.R. 224 near Kimball Junction and Silver Springs would improve safety for walkers and traffic circles are needed in Jeremy Ranch and Pinebrook to help direct cars on and off Interstate 80, Callahan said, adding that the financial downturn has delayed that project until 2010.

Money from a stimulus plan could help fund road improvements until the economy improves, he said.

Associated Press contributed to this report.