STATE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR ANNOUNCES THAT DEFIANCE COUNTY WILL RECEIVE $163,000 GRANT TO IMPROVE ITS SEWER SYSTEM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2004

Columbus, OH -- State Development Director Bruce Johnson today announced that Defiance County will receive a $163,300 grant to improve its sewer system. The grant will be awarded through the Ohio Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Water and Sanitary Sewer Program, administered by the Ohio Department of Development's (ODOD) Office of Housing and Community Partnerships (OHCP).

“The Department of Development is committed to creating a safe and sanitary living environment for all Ohioans,” said Johnson. “These improvements will enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Defiance County, while providing the infrastructure necessary to be economically competitive.”

The County will use the funds to install approximately 4,000 linear feet of sewer lines and one lift station. The $326,600 project will benefit 28 households in the Green Acres Subdivision in Defiance Township.

The Water and Sanitary Sewer Program helps local governments maintain, improve and expand their water and sanitary sewer systems. The program's goal is to create a safe and sanitary living environment for Ohio citizens through the provision of safe and reliable drinking water and proper disposal of sanitary waste.

Applications for the program are accepted on a continual basis and are rated against the following criteria: number of persons expected to benefit from the project; ability to leverage funds; program impact; program readiness; and the community's financial capacity and rate structure. Communities with documented health and safety concerns receive priority for funding.