Last summer's fire that scorched 80 percent of Bateman Island's vegetation is providing a chance to start over again.

Tonight, Richland's Parks and Recreation Commission members will consider an offer by Bechtel Hanford Co. to help clean up and replant the island.

The idea of the application by Bechtel and the Tri-Cities Visitor and Convention Bureau is to improve the island as a place for walking, bird watching and nature viewing. The project also would replace and improve animal habitat, provide vegetation to protect Indian cultural artifacts and reduce the spread of exotic weeds.

The parks commission also is being asked to recommend the city approve $5,000 for the project.

Estimated cost of the work is $22,500. Bechtel would give $10,000 cash plus volunteer support. The remaining money would come from other donations.

Richland City Council members aren't expected to formally consider the project until their Jan. 8 meeting. However, they have expressed support for any partnership with Bechtel during the last several months.

Bechtel has taken a lead in other community projects as part of what it calls the Rivershore Legacy Program. That has included the construction of the Playground of Dreams and the Family Fishing Pond at Columbia Park in Kennewick.

"Staff view this as a rare one-time opportunity to take advantage of the post-fire conditions to improve the appearance and habitat quality of Bateman Island and are highly supportive of the partnership," a memo to park commissioners says.

While much of Bateman Island's vegetation was destroyed in August by a stubborn fire, much of it was non-native plants -- including Russian olive trees.

Sue Kuntz, a Bechtel spokeswoman, said the Yakama, Colville, Umatilla and Wanapum tribes support the project. The Army Corps of Engineers, the Audubon Society and Tapteal Greenway Association also have expressed support.

The project would begin as soon as January, but more likely in March, with a cleanup of litter by Bechtel and Tapteal Greenway volunteers.

Kuntz said formal approval and establishing a schedule still need to be worked out, with formal announcement of the project expected in a few weeks.

Restoring the island's habitat is the park commission's No. 7 goal for 2002. Its other 2002 goals are expected to be approved tonight.