STATE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR ANNOUNCES THAT PREBLE COUNTY WILL RECEIVE $600,000 GRANT TO IMPROVE ITS SEWER SYSTEM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2004

Columbus, OH -- State Development Director Bruce Johnson today announced that Preble County will receive a $600,000 grant to improve its sewer system. The grant will be awarded through the Ohio Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Water and Sanitary Sewer Program, administered by the Ohio Department of Development's Office of Housing and Community Partnerships.

“This grant will help ensure safe and sanitary living conditions for the citizens of Preble County,” said Johnson. “These improvements enhance quality of life and provide the infrastructure necessary to support economic growth.”

The County will use the funds to install approximately 11,290 linear feet of sewer lines and one pump station and construct a wastewater treatment facility. The $1.5 million project will benefit approximately 72 households in the Village of West Elkton.

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.