HARTFORD -- Cities and towns across Connecticut are stumbling over themselves to get in line for federal stimulus funding, with Bridgeport leading the way, asking for an even $1 billion.

Since the best the entire state can hope for is about $2.8 billion from the overall stimulus package -- including Medicaid and school construction funds -- it's unlikely that Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch's wish list will dominate the state's priorities.

But the mayor was unapologetic Friday when informed that the city's projects surpass all other municipalities and most state agencies.

"Everybody thought they knew what was going to be in the package," Finch said in a phone interview. "Until today, no one really knew what would be in the package."

Finch has requested only slightly less than the $1.1 billion asked by the state Department of Transportation, which will have to compete for a nationwide pool of $27.5 billion for highway construction, of which only $12 billion would be spent in the first two years.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell's office said Friday that there will be extensive consultation and study of the various projects before they are prioritized for possible funding. The Connecticut Recovery Working Group, created by Rell and made up of state agency representatives and the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, will begin reviewing on Feb. 26.

The city of Stamford has asked for nearly $872 million for a variety of projects, from major transportation infrastructure work totaling $64 million, to renovations at Boyle Stadium for $3.5 million.

"We have things under construction or would be in construction very very quickly," said Michael Freimuth, director of Stamford's Office of Economic Development. "A lot of that is simple infrastructure work."

Danbury wants a total of $86.6 million, including $30 million to acquire the controversial solid-waste transfer station once operated by convicted felon James Galante.

Even Oxford, with a population of 11,000, has proposed $71.8 million in projects, mostly road improvements. But First Selectwoman Mary Ann Drayton-Rogers also wants $1.6 million for a new, lighted football field. "This is the time for our state to pull together to weather this unique economic challenge, she wrote to Rell.

Ansonia has requested at least $7 million, mostly for highway and streetscape improvements.

The top of Fairfield's $65.5 million list includes $28.8 million for the planned Metro Center train station; $3.25 million for replacing Ludlowe High School's windows; and $2.2 million to complete the restoration of Penfield Pavilion.

Even Greenwich has asked for $85.3 million in projects, including $4.5 million for paving, $1.5 million for new sidewalks and $7 million for curbing.

"While our list is extensive, it is also realistic and can be achieved within the time frame given for commencement," Greenwich First Selectman Peter J. Tesei said in a letter to Rell that was among hundreds of pages reviewed Friday by Hearst Connecticut Newspapers.

Sen. Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, asked for $126.7 million for road reconstruction, upgrades in the sewage treatment facility and renovating the city's urban core. In all, Norwalk has $188 million in priorities.

Finch said it was a good exercise for the city to catalog its needs.

"We weren't ever expecting a billion dollars worth of help, but we made a list of capital projects," Finch said. "We made an exhaustive study of things that have been deferred and delayed things for years. We've always been short in state and federal assistance."

Bridgeport listed 128 projects with estimates that the work can create 11,375 jobs. A $59 million project separated storm and sanitary sewers would create 700 jobs. Citywide broadband access would cost $20 million. The site work at the 50-acre Steel Point would cost $58 million and create 700 jobs.

Finch, studying the federal legislation Friday, said he anticipates that the city will be able to compete for a $4.2 billion federal pool for energy audits and energy efficiency updates in municipal buildings.

"We're in a great position," he said. "We have the most exhaustive study of capital needs anywhere. We'll have a long list and we'll have a great chance matching with what the president is offering and what our needs are."

Bridgeport Rep. Christopher L. Caruso, D-Bridgeport, the longest-serving member of the city's delegation, proposed $107 million in a variety of flood-control projects and $40 million to restore the long-neglected Palace and Majestic theaters on Main Street.

Statewide, towns, cities individuals lawmakers and state agencies have submitted requests to Rell totaling $11 billion, according to documents released Friday under the state Freedom of Information Act.

While local public works projects dominate the 201 requests, new firehouses and even restoration of four historic cemeteries in Easton are among the so-called shovel-ready projects.

State officials have asked for a variety of projects, including $3 million to complete the boardwalk at Silver Sands State Park in Milford and $50 million to build new toilets at state parks.

The Judicial Branch has asked for $2.75 million for a new criminal courthouse in Bridgeport.

The University of Connecticut requested $268 million. The State Library wants $14 million to build a new facility in Ridgefield.

Adam Liegeot, the governor's Capitol spokesman, said Friday that thousands of submissions were received, indicating the need for significant infrastructure needs throughout the state.

"Gov. Rell is hopeful that these stimulus funds will help us address these needs while creating good jobs," Liegeot said, adding that the governor wants to position the state to benefit as much as possible when the funds are released.

"Decisions on what to fund with the federal stimulus money will be made consistent with rules and after broad consultation," Liegeot said. "Spending will be targeted on projects that create jobs and long-term economic value. Regional equity will also be considered because, frankly, there are needs across the state."

Funding requests Ansonia: $8.5 million Bridgeport: $1 billion Darien: $41.4 million Danbury: $82.6 million Easton: $871,410 Fairfield: $65.5 million Greenwich: $85.3 million Norwalk: $188 million Monroe: $11.7 million Newtown: $94.4 million Oxford: $71.8 million Redding: $61.6 million Seymour: $17.7 million Shelton: $20 million Stamford: $872 million Stratford: $18 million Trumbull: $361,500 Westport: $1.9 million Wilton: $6 million