The NFL announced yesterday it will provide a $200,000 grant to the Hawai'i High School Athletic Association for a project to install an artificial surface for Roosevelt Stadium's athletic field.

According to a joint press release, the grant falls under the NFL's "Grassroots" program and is part of $2.5 million in field refurbishment awards allocated to communities in 19 cities nationwide.

Honolulu is the only city outside an NFL region to be awarded such a grant, according to HHSAA executive director Keith Amemiya.

"It's groundbreaking in that respect," Amemiya said.

In an unprecedented move last May, the Legislature appropriated $4 million to install a FieldTurf-like surface at Roosevelt, in addition to a new synthetic track and other capital improvements to the 75-year-old campus' athletic facilities.

The school's alumni association has since raised more than $500,000 for the project.

Roosevelt Stadium has been one of the state's busiest during football season, since it also is the home field for Farrington and McKinley. Kaimuki also has used it for home games in past years.

If and when Gov. Linda Lingle releases the Legislature's appropriation, bids can go out and the planning and design can begin. Roosevelt athletic director Rodney Iwasaki had hoped the project would be completed in 2007.