ALLEN AND TRUMBULL COUNTIES TO RECEIVE $998,000 IN GRANTS TO IMPROVE TWO SANITARY SEWER SYSTEMS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2005

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Bruce Johnson announced today that Allen and Trumbull Counties will receive grants totaling $998,000 to assist with sanitary sewer infrastructure improvements. The grants 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.

“The State’s assistance will help Allen and Trumbull Counties make needed improvements to their sanitary sewer systems,” said Johnson, who also serves as State Development Director. “Promoting safe and sanitary conditions throughout Ohio’s communities helps protect families and provides the infrastructure necessary for economic growth.”

Allen County, will receive a $570,000 grant to install 10,500 linear feet of sewer lines in Bath Township. The $1.3 million project will assist 92 households.

Trumbull County will receive a $428,000 grant to install 6,344 linear feet of sewer lines in Brookfield Township. The $857,000 project will assist 28 households.

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.