TIFFIN AWARDED $292,000 GRANT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY OF THE FORMER TIFFIN GLASS COMPANY SITE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 28, 2005

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Bruce Johnson today announced that the City of Tiffin (Seneca County) will receive $292,000 from the Clean Ohio Assistance Fund (COAF) to perform an environmental study of water and soil at the former Tiffin Glass Company property.

“This funding will allow Tiffin to conduct an environmental study on this local brownfield so it can proceed with future redevelopment,” said Johnson, who also serves as director of the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD). “With the State’s assistance, this property will allow Tiffin Paper Company to expand, resulting in the creation of more jobs for the community.”

The property, located at 249 Vine Street, was used for industrial purposes since the late 1800’s. COAF funding will be used to perform a Phase II Environmental Assessment, which includes water and soiling testing and a report detailing the condition of the property. The Seneca Industrial and Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) currently owns the land, which Tiffin Paper Company, a manufacturer of paper products, plans to purchase, resulting in the creation of five to 10 jobs.

Funds from the $10 million COAF, administered by the ODOD, 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. Tiffin is identified as a Priority Investment Area and is a distressed inner city, and therefore qualifies for assistance. 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.