VINTON COUNTY TO RECEIVE $92,000 FOR ECONOMIC PROJECT
Development grant will help ReUse Industries purchase machinery/equipment, update facility

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2004

Columbus, OH -- – State Development Director Bruce Johnson today announced that Vinton County will receive a $92,000 grant to assist with an economic development expansion project. The grant will be awarded through the Discretionary Grant Program, administered by the Ohio Department of Development.

“The Department of Development is committed to assisting Ohio businesses and organizations wanting to expand,” said Johnson. “ReUse Industries has demonstrated a continued demand for its services, and the Department is committed to making sure they remain economically competitive.”

Vinton County will use the funds to assist ReUse Industries with the purchase of machinery and equipment and renovation of the agency's facility. ReUse Industries is a nonprofit organization that salvages resources and reduces waste. Items donated to ReUse are cleaned, stored, repaired and sold to businesses, agencies and the public for reuse.

The agency, in partnership with the Vinton County Department of Job and Family Services, also provides job training at the site. The $197,825 expansion project will enable ReUse to recycle glass, metal and plastic components found in obsolete computers. In addition, 14 low- and moderate-income persons will receive computer repair, sales and material handling training.

The Discretionary Grant Program funds projects that do not fit within the structure of existing programs, or those projects that resolve immediate and unexpected needs. Applications are rated on the following criteria: project funds are not available from any other source; project is eligible and meets at least one of the Community Development Block Grant Program national objectives; and the funds are needed in order to make the project feasible.