(The Center Square) – Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost plans to spend $1 million in taxpayer funds to help local communities clean up illegal dump sites around the state.
The money expands Yost’s “Shine a Light on Dumpers” campaign, which began as an initiative to stop illegal dumping through public education, technical equipment loans, training and legal help.
“Illegal dumping is an ugly, unhealthy problem no community should face,” Yost said. “We’re providing real dollars to help with the cleanup efforts to take the load off local officials.”
The grant announcement comes just weeks after the state’s Environmental Enforcement Section helped Youngstown authorities identify a case of illegal dumping and charge Mark Domascieno, of Brookfield, with improperly discarding 35 tires. He faces a misdemeanor charge of littering and deposit of garbage, rubbish and junk. He’s scheduled to be in court in early January.
County and local governments can apply for up to $100,000 for dump-site cleanup and up to $20,000 for preventive measures such as signs, gates or barriers. The grant application window is open and runs through Feb. 28 or until the money runs out. The grants will be awarded on a rolling basis.
“From Youngstown to Cincinnati and points all around, illegal dumping – sadly – is happening everywhere,” Yost said. “By holding offenders accountable and cleaning up illegal dump sites, we’re working to restore the beauty and health of our local neighborhoods.”