Sept. 15 deadline for conservation projects looms

AUSTINTOWN -- Eastgate Regional Council of Governments announces the start of Round 4A of the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund for Mahoning and Trumbull counties.
Ohio voters created the Clean Ohio Fund in 2000 Ohio through passage of Bond Issue 1. Eastgate acts as the administrator of the conservation fund.
The Natural Resource Assistance Council, which is made up of local representatives, chooses the projects which will be sent to the state for funding.
The conservation fund focuses on protecting land in its natural state. Local governments have used this fund to create or expand passive-use parks within their jurisdiction. More than $430,000 is available for this round of the conservation fund.
Those eligible to apply for funds are local governments, parks and joint recreation districts, conservancy districts, soil and water conservation districts and qualifying nonprofit organizations. A 25-percent local share is required for all projects and can be in the form of local funds, private contributions, or in-kind services such as labor, materials, and/or equipment.
The pre-applications are due by Sept. 15, and the final applications will be due Oct. 27. Call Rachel McCartney at Eastgate for more information at (330) 779-3800.