- Two Brownfield Assessment Grants Awarded by U.S. EPA -

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Praising economic development dollars coming into Ohio’s 18th Congressional District, Congressman Zack Space (OH-18) today announced that the Coshocton Port Authority will receive $400,000 to fund two brownfield assessment grants.

“This money will be a big help to the economic development efforts taking place at the Port Authority,” Space said. “During these tough economic times, funding for economic development is always a welcome announcement.”

“The Coshocton Port Authority is doing some great work to help bring business to this area, and this funding will help them further that goal,” Space continued.

The grants, issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), will go towards creating viable development space for businesses by helping communities clean up “brownfield” sites. “Brownfields” are areas that have been contaminated by hazardous substances, including petroleum and chemicals used in manufacture and mining, along with the production and distribution of illegal drugs. These sites have lain dormant because of the lack of funds with which to make them useful. With these grants, communities will be able to provide clean, safe areas for the expansion of local businesses.

This grant specifically will allow the Coshocton Port Authority to conduct a county-wide brownfield assessment and inventory, identifying locations for future cleanup efforts for potential development.

Congressman Space has represented Ohio's 18th Congressional District since 2007. He is working to restore integrity to the office and create the conditions to bring new industry and jobs to Ohio.