Washington County commissioners yesterday approved an economic development committee's recommendations for funding 26 projects with the first $8 million generated for development by slot machine gambling.

Then, late yesterday, the state agency that calculated the county's share said it had made a mistake, and that the county could expect about $12.9 million.

State Department of Community and Economic Development Policy Director Bryce Maretzki said a miscalculation led him to tell Washington County representatives to expect $8 million.

The funding comes from two sources -- a cut of gross slots revenues directly from The Meadows Racetrack and Casino and excess funds from the host municipality, which cannot receive more than 50 percent of its budget from gaming. Mr. Maretzki said he calculated just the amount the county would have received in extra money from North Strabane.

Earlier this month, the special economic development committee heard from dozens of municipalities with 85 proposals worth $88 million.

County commissioners yesterday approved the panel's 26 recommendations and said they would send them to DCED for final approval.

County Commissioner Diana L. Irey said the committee probably will be asked to add funds to already approved projects or recommend new projects.

The approved projects included $3.7 million in infrastructure improvements, construction and expansion at three of the county's business parks: Southpointe II in Cecil, Alta Vista in Bentleyville, and Starpointe in Hanover.

Funds also were set aside to begin developing Skypointe, a business park near the county airport in South Franklin.

The nine-member committee, formed by members of the county economic development roundtable, along with state and county officials, also recommended spending $379,000 to help build a new visitors' center at the Meadowcroft Rockshelter near Avella.

The prehistoric sandstone overhang is thought to be the oldest archaeological site in North America. Management is expecting upward of 35,000 visitors a year when the site reopens in May after major road and infrastructure improvements.

If approved, the recommendations could create up to 5,000 new jobs.