MAHONING COUNTY, Ohio - On Monday, Congressman Tim Ryan announced nearly $18,000 for a recycling program in Mahoning County.  

The $17,905 grant will help finance the Mahoning County Solid Waste Management District's "Green Team" Rural Recycling Education and Awareness Program (RREAP). 

"Every one of us has a part to play in keeping our environment clean and healthy. No matter how big or small our actions are, this is a community-wide effort. I applaud Mahoning County's Green Team for earning this grant, and I want to thank them for the important work they are doing in Northeast Ohio. Amid the threat of climate change, it's initiatives like RREAP that will help combat this global crisis," said Ryan.

The grant is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Rural Development.

RREAP works to promote a healthier, more sustainable environment through the Three R's: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

The Green Team intends to use this grant to reach thousands of rural Mahoning County residents through a series of workshops in schools and community organizations. 

"The Green Team is pleased to announce that the USDA Rural Utilities Administration has approved grant funding in the amount of $17,905.00 for the Rural Recycling Education & Awareness Program (RREAP) during the 2019 - 2020 grant year. These funds will allow RREAP to continue providing environmental educational services to the county's rural communities," said Kim Lewis, RREAP Manager. "I would like to thank Green Team Director Lou Vega, the Mahoning County Commissioners, and the entire Green Team staff for their continued support. I would also like to thank all of the wonderful Mahoning County residents who make this program a success. Together we are making a difference."