Rep. McNally Announces $20,000 for Youngstown City Health District in Ohio EPA Grants

Funding supports education and outreach for scrap tire generating businesses

February 8, 2024

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) today announced the awarding of $20,000 in state funds for the Youngstown City Health District from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’(Ohio EPA) Division of Materials and Waste Management’s Scrap Tire Generating Businesses Education and Outreach Grant program.

“This is a public safety concern not only because of the impact of scrap tires on the environment but also because the materials can be targeted for stealing. We want to keep these businesses, their employees, and our broader communities healthier and safer,” said Rep. McNally.

The Ohio EPA’s Scrap Tire Education and Outreach grant program was created to provide education and outreach to scrap tire businesses on the proper and responsible management of scrap tires. The program is focused on the use of registered scrap tire transporters and securing scrap tires at their place of business, the program activities include:

• Communication with local officials and law enforcement

• Identification of STGBs within the targeted area

• In-person site visits to STGBs

• A recognition program

• Reporting to Ohio EPA

The Youngstown City Health District is receiving $20,000, the maximum request allowable through the program, for outreach and education to approximately 90 businesses throughout the city. The health district is among the five health departments and two solid waste management districts receiving funds around the state totaling $98,962.50. The funds are provided with the goal of alleviating open dumping of scrap tires which remains a prevalent and widespread issue across Ohio.

This funding is provided from Ohio’s 1993 scrap tire law which added a $1 per tire sales tax on new tires. Applicants are required to provide information on the county’s economic health and targeted areas of improvement. Projects must begin no earlier than November 4, 2023, or the effective date of the agreement with the state, whichever occurs later, and end no later than June 15, 2024.