Press Room >> 2009 Press Releases FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PATT-MCDANIEL ANNOUNCES $673,000 IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANTS COLUMBUS -- Lisa Patt-McDaniel, Director of the Ohio Department of Development, today announced that $673,000 in community development grants have been awarded to communities and nonprofits through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Economic Development Program, Community Development Discretionary Program, and the Homelessness Discretionary Program administered by the Office of Housing and Community Partnerships. “These grants are essential resources that have a positive impact on Ohio’s residents and our economy,” said Patt-McDaniel. “Through these community development funds, jobs for low- and moderate-income citizens will be created, a community’s downtown will be enhanced, and additional assistance will be provided for homelessness prevention services.” Hancock County has been awarded a $168,000 CDBG Economic Development Program grant to provide assistance to Feasel’s Ground Maintenance, Ltd. to purchase the assets and business of Village Green, a retail greenhouse shop. The $682,000 project is expected to create and retain a total of 13 jobs, 10 of which will be for people of low- and moderate-income. Crawford County has been awarded a $235,000 CDBG Economic Development Program grant to assist Sunrise Cooperative, Inc., a farmer-owned cooperative headquartered in Fremont, expand its Crestline facility allowing for the distribution of dry/liquid fertilizer and seed. Community Development Block Grant funds will also be used to extend 10,015 linear feet of waterline to the project site. The more than $14 million project is expected to create 25 full-time jobs, 13 of which will be for people of low- and moderate-income. The City of Tiffin has been awarded a $200,000 Community Development Discretionary Program grant to renovate the historic downtown Cornerstone building. Salvare Development, LLC is donating the building to the American Civil War Museum. The museum will house historical artifacts and documents related to Johnson’s Island Civil War Prison. The Other Place (Dayton) has been awarded a $50,000 Homelessness Discretionary Program grant to develop a new 24-hour emergency facility which will include dormitories to accommodate 178 homeless men. The Other Place also provides a variety of supportive services including case management and technical assistance to those at risk of becoming homeless or who are currently homeless. American Rescue Workers, Inc. (Canton) has been awarded a $20,000 Homelessness Discretionary Program grant to repair deteriorating kitchen and dining room floors, and install a new industrial stove at its 18-bed shelter for homeless men. American Rescue Workers also provides supportive services such as permanent housing placement and referrals to community-based services. The Community Development Block Grant 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 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. The Discretionary Grant Program provides funding for “targets of opportunity” investments in economic and community development projects which create and/or retain permanent job opportunities that are not feasible in other funding categories. Working with our partners across business, state and local governments, academia, and the non-profit sector, the Ohio Department of Development works to attract, create, grow, and retain businesses through competitive incentives and targeted investments. Engaged every day in marketing, innovating, investing, and collaborating, the Ohio Department of Development works at the speed of business to accelerate and support the teamwork that is absolutely necessary for success by providing financial, informational, and technical assistance to those making an investment in Ohio’s future. ### Media contacts: Eileen Turner at 614.728.6674 or the Communications & Marketing Office at 614.466.2609
October 29, 2009