TIFFIN AWARDED $289,000 GRANT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF THE ROSENBLATT STEEL PROPERTY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2005

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Bruce Johnson today announced that the City of Tiffin (Seneca County) will receive $289,000 from the Clean Ohio Assistance Fund (COAF) to perform a Phase II Environmental Assessment at the Rosenblatt Steel property.

“This funding will allow Tiffin to conduct the necessary assessment 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, Tiffin University will be able to move forward with plans expand its educational services by redeveloping the property.

The property, located at 322 Miami Street, consists of 9.8 acres northwest of downtown Tiffin. The property was used for commercial and industrial purposes since the 1920s. COAF funding will be used to perform a Phase II Environmental Assessment, which will consist of installation of monitoring wells, water and soil testing and a report detailing the condition of the property. Tiffin University has expressed interest in the property, just northwest of the college’s campus, for expansion opportunities. Potential uses of the property by Tiffin University include a student recreation center, academic facilities or student housing.

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. 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.