VILLAGE OF WELLSVILLE TO RECEIVE $475,000 FROM CLEAN OHIO ASSISTANCE FUND FOR BROWNFIELD REDVELOPMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 2004

Columbus, OH -- State Development Director Bruce Johnson has awarded the Village of Wellsville, located in Columbiana County, $475,000 to help in the clean up of potentially contaminated land at the former Lincoln China Property. The money is from the Clean Ohio Assistance Fund, dedicated to brownfield redevelopment in eligible areas.

“By helping fund the clean up of this brownfield project, the Village of Wellsville can go forward with plans to transform this property into a viable, new economic development,” said Johnson. “These efforts will eventually lead to residential and commercial investment in this community.”

Funding, approved by the State Controlling Board, will be used to conduct clean up and remediation activities on the 1.2-acre property. The clean up will include asbestos removal, property demolition, and removal of contaminated soil. After clean up, the property will eventually be used for residential and commercial space.

Money from the $10 million Clean Ohio Assistance Fund must be used for Phase I and II Environmental Assessments, brownfield redevelopment or public health projects. Projects located in situational distressed, inner distressed, distressed or labor surplus cities are eligible for funding. Projects are evaluated based on economic benefit; environmental improvement, including public health benefit; appropriateness and reasonableness of the proposed project and the financial condition of the community.