YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Ohio EPA Director, Anne Vogel visited Youngstown on Thursday to announce a new education grant for businesses that generate and manage scrap tires.

Vogel was joined by Youngstown Mayor Jamael "Tito" Brown and local waste and health districts at 10:00 a.m. to make the announcement.

According to a press release, the grants will give businesses across Ohio a better understanding of the rules for managing scrap tires to prevent them from becoming a health hazard to the community.

Vogel tells 21 News scrap tires are frequently found across the Valley, causing not only an eyesore, but a public health risk as well.

"I think folks don't even know what can happen with these tires in terms of the mosquitos that can breed, which is why it's so important to partner with the [Department of] Public Health in Youngstown," Vogel said.

"We're excited to do that education to say not just that it's ugly, not just that it's illegal, not just that it's bad, but also it's dangerous," Vogel added.

Starting Friday, September 1, health districts and solid waste management districts can apply for funding to support community education and outreach including visits to scrap tire generating businesses and educational materials.

Applicants may request funding up to $20,000. Eligible grant proposals will be funded until the annual funding cap for the entire program reaches $200,000. The deadline to apply is November 1.

Grant recipients will also make follow up visits to verify that the businesses are properly managing scrap tires and recognize those that are demonstrating proper scrap tire management.

Vogel tells us the information the Ohio EPA gain back from this program will help enable more informed decisions on what actions are best to tackle this issue going forward.