A plan to transform downtown Irwin into a destination geared to tourism and shopping is moving forward.

Irwin Council has hired Mullin & Lonergan, a Pittsburgh firm, as consultants in the development of a new comprehensive plan for the borough. The firm will work in association with Pashek Associates, landscape artists and community planners, to develop the plan.

That is a necessary step to move ahead with the Irwin Project, a long-term beautification and economic development program to revitalize the 141-year-old borough.

The project was established in 2004. Robert Michaud, Irwin Project chairman and vice president of marketing for Irwin Bank & Trust Co., estimates the plan will cost about $100,000 to develop. The current comprehensive plan was adopted in 1968.

About $110,000 has been raised or pledged for the Irwin Project, according to Michaud. That includes an approved $50,000 state Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program grant that will require a $30,000 match by the borough and $20,000 of public money.

Council President Danyce Neal and Michaud were expected to lobby Westmoreland County Commissioners yesterday to approve a $20,000 Community Development Block Grant request.

The entire project is expected to take as long as 10 years. The final cost has not been determined.

Irwin council included $30,000 in its 2005 budget to cover grant matches and has committed $6,000 annually over the next five years.

In addition, Irwin -- one of 22 "Blueprint" Communities statewide to participate in the Blueprint Community Revitalization Program -- has applied for a $60,000 Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor Heritage Park special purpose grant.

Michaud last week said the nonprofit Westmoreland Cultural Trust may spend "in excess of $1.5 million" to rehabilitate the Thompson Building, one of the oldest structures in Irwin.

Michaud also said that the owners of the Lamp Theater are seeking state funding to rehabilitate the Main Street landmark.