JOHNSON ANNOUNCES $235,700 TO COLUMBIANA COUNTY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2006

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Bruce Johnson today announced that Columbiana County will receive a $235,700 grant to assist the community with an economic development project. The funds will be awarded through the Ohio Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Economic Development Program, administered by the Ohio Department of Development's (ODOD) Office of Housing and Community Partnerships. The $523,656 project will create six jobs and retain 16.

"I'm confident that this funding will have a positive economic impact on Columbiana County," said Lt. Governor Johnson, who also serves as state development director. "Ohio means business and is committed to supporting the economic development efforts of our communities. By encouraging capital investments such as this, we are helping our communities to compete for new investments and attract and retain good-paying jobs for Ohioans."

Columbiana County will loan the funds to Creekside Springs LLC, a water bottling company in Salineville. Creekside Springs plans to install 600 linear feet of six-inch waterline to its facility to increase production. The CDBG funds will be used to purchase machinery and equipment and make improvements to the plant.

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.