TWO OHIO COUNTIES TO RECEIVE GRANTS TOTALING $819,000 FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EXPANSION PROJECTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2004

Columbus, OH -- State Development Director Bruce Johnson announced today that Mahoning and Union counties will receive grants totaling $819,000 to assist with economic development projects. The grants will be awarded through the Ohio Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Economic Development Program, which is administered by the Ohio Department of Development.

“The grants will have a positive, economic impact on Mahoning and Union counties,” said Johnson. “The Department of Development is committed to providing assistance to help attract and retain jobs in communities throughout the state.”

Mahoning County will receive a $470,000 grant to assist with the development of 32 acres of land in Canfield Township. The CDBG funds will be used to assist with the installation of more than 2,700 linear feet of water and sewer lines and 2,200 linear feet of flood and drainage improvements. The infrastructure improvements will allow for the construction of a Hampton Inn and a Bob Evans Restaurant. The $6.4 million project is expected to create 74 jobs.

Union County will receive a $349,000 grant to assist MAI Manufacturing, Inc. to construct a 52,000 square-foot building in the Richwood Industrial Park. The CDBG funds will be used to assist with the installation of approximately 4,300 square feet of pavement; 1,700 linear feet of water and sewer lines; and 1,900 linear feet of flood and drainage infrastructure improvements. MAI Manufacturing produces fiber-engineered composites for a variety of applications, including heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems; heavy duty truck, van, bus and special vehicle markets; and foil-laminated, fiberglass products. The $1.9 million project is expected to create 35 jobs.

The CDBG Economic Development Program provides funding for economic development projects that create and/or retain permanent, private-sector job opportunities. The grants enable local governments to provide public improvements directly related to business development and financial assistance to private entities for economic development projects. Jobs created through the program must benefit primarily low- and moderate-income Ohioans.