FOUR OHIO COMMUNITIES TO RECEIVE MORE THAN $1.3 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EXPANSION PROJECTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2005

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Bruce Johnson today announced that the City of Findlay, Lorain County, Pike County and the City of Van Wert will receive grants totaling more than $1.3 million for economic development projects that will create 241 positions and retain 16 jobs. The grants will be awarded through the Ohio Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Economic Development Program, which is administered by the Ohio Department of Development's (ODOD’s) Office of Housing and Community Partnerships.

“The state is committed to helping attract and retain jobs in communities throughout Ohio,” said Lt. Governor Johnson, who also serves as director of the Ohio Department of Development. “By investing in infrastructure and other improvements, we can help create more economic opportunities for Ohioans.”

The City of Findlay will receive a $110,000 grant to help ECL Plastics, Inc. continue operations. The company produces plastic parts for the chemical, aerospace and automotive industries. ECL Plastics is currently leasing a 19,208 square-foot facility, located on Jefferson Street, and will use the CDBG funds to help purchase the building. The $430,000 project will create 10 and retain 16 jobs.

Lorain County will receive a $500,000 grant to help General Plug and Manufacturing Company to relocate to a new 12,000 square-foot facility in the Village of Grafton Industrial Park and expand operations. The company produces plumbing and automotive piping products and will share the space with another company that is relocating from Michigan. The CDBG funds will be used to help install 2,500 linear feet of flood and drainage improvements. The $6 million project is expected to create 51 jobs.

Pike County will receive a $214,000 grant to help Superior Kraft Homes Limited Liability Corporation to expand operations. The company, located near Waverly, produces modular homes, motel units, apartments and other buildings. Superior Kraft Homes will purchase additional equipment and add a second shift in order to meet an increase in customer demand. The CDBG funds will be used to help improve street access to the company. The $441,300 project is expected to create 30 jobs.

The City of Van Wert will receive a $500,000 grant to help VWTC1 develop 122 acres of land, known as the Towne Center, for retail use. The company will construct buildings and install the necessary infrastructure to make the site viable for retail development. The CDBG funds will be used to help install 6,440 linear feet of street improvements. The $11.1 million project will create 150 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.