FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2008

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced that five Ohio counties will receive more than $2 million from the Ohio Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Economic Development Program to help establish five businesses through the purchase of facilities and construction. The $127 million projects are expected to create 196 jobs.

"The State is committed to attracting and retaining jobs in communities throughout Ohio," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "By investing in our infrastructure, we are creating economic opportunities and improving the quality of life for Ohioans."

Allen County will receive a $475,000 grant to help Buckeye Entertainment of Lima open a Chuck E. Cheese franchise on Elida Road. The company will use the Community Development Block Grant Program funds to purchase a 12,000 square-foot building. The $2.1 million project is expected to create 30 jobs.

Fulton County will receive a $500,000 grant to help Zinc and Iron Recycling of Ohio, Inc. construct a 45,000 square-foot zinc processing plant at the Intersection of State Route 109 and U.S. 20A. The company will treat electric arc furnace dust to produce zinc concentrate and pig iron. The program funds will be used to install 2,750 linear feet of water and sewer lines and 525 linear feet of railroad lines. The $102.3 million project will create 50 jobs.

Lawrence County will receive a $500,000 grant to help McGinnis, Inc. construct a 127,500 square-foot boat and barge manufacturing and repair facility on the Ohio River between South Point and Sheridan. The program funds will be used to install 500 linear feet of electrical lines and a sub-station. The $5.7 million project will create 50 jobs.

Lucas County will receive a $399,000 grant to help the Kroger Company construct a 90,000 square-foot supermarket and gas station on the corner of State Route 64 and U.S. 24. The program funds will be used to install 13,175 linear feet of water and sewer lines. The $16.2 million project will create 50 jobs.

Ottawa County will receive a $199,000 grant to help IZACH Corporation open Rayz Café in downtown Genoa. In 2007, a fire destroyed Ray and Jett's Café, which was located on the same site. The new 4,000 square-foot restaurant will include an outdoor patio. The Community Development Block Grant Program funds will be used to help construct the building. The $648,190 project will create 16 jobs.

The Community Development Block Grant Economic Development Program, administered by the Ohio Department of Development, provides funding for economic development projects that create and/or retain permanent, private-sector job opportunities. The grants enable local governments to make public improvements directly related to business development and provide financial assistance to private entities for economic development projects. Jobs created through this program must benefit primarily low- and moderate-income Ohioans.

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Media contacts: Kelly Schlissberg at (614) 466-4133 or Melissa Vince at (614) 466-6619