Austintown, Warren, Washington Townships awarded funds to battle illegal dumping
Three communities in the Mahoning Valley have received funding to address illegal dumping through a statewide initiative aimed at cleaning up affected areas and preventing future incidents. While the source of the funding is a statewide program, the focus locally will be on utilizing these resources to enhance the quality of life for residents, according to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
Austintown Township in Mahoning County will use its funding to install a barrier gate at the entrance of Green Briar Township Park. This measure aims to prevent after-hours dumping that has plagued the park, limiting access during non-operational hours to safeguard the public space.
Warren Township in Trumbull County has been awarded funds to facilitate a cleanup effort in the area of Bane and Miller streets. This residential area has been targeted by illegal dumping, with trash, tires, and construction debris creating an eyesore and potential hazard for the community. The funding will enable the township to remove this illegally disposed waste and restore the area.
Washington Township in Columbiana County will utilize its grant to install barriers and fencing at a long-standing illegal dumping site. For nearly 40 years, this rural hillside location has been a target for unlawful disposal, proving difficult for the township to maintain, especially during the winter months due to its challenging accessibility. The new barriers and fencing are intended to deter future dumping and aid in site management.
These local projects are being supported through a statewide program that offered grants up to $20,000 for equipment and up to $100,000 for cleanup efforts. The funding aims to empower local governments to take direct action in reclaiming and protecting their communities from the detrimental effects of illegal dumping.
