LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR AWARDS OTTAWA COUNTY $323,200 GRANT TO IMPROVE SEWER SYSTEM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 19, 2005

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Bruce Johnson today announced that Ottawa County will receive a $323,200 grant to improve its sewer system. The grant 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 (ODOD's) Office of Housing and Community Partnerships.

“I am pleased the state is able to help Ottawa County make the needed improvements to its sewer system,” said Johnson, who also serves as Director of the ODOD. “Promoting safe and sanitary conditions throughout Ohio’s communities helps protect families and provide the infrastructure necessary for economic growth.”

The County will use the funds to install approximately 14,600 linear feet of sewer lines in Clay Township and connect the lines to the Village of Genoa's sewer treatment facility. The $1.2 million project will assist approximately 120 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.