Rep. McNally Announces the Awarding of $320,966 to Conservation Projects in Columbiana, Mahoning Counties

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) today announced that The Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) had awarded $270,966 for the county park district in Columbiana County as well as $150,000 for Mill Creek MetroParks in Mahoning County as part of its Clean Ohio Grant Program. 

“This funding helps protect and preserve Ohio’s natural biodiversity and resources,” said Rep. McNally. “My hope is that these projects will be available for Ohioans many generations into the future."

The Clean Ohio Grant Program was created “to protect conservation properties in perpetuity,” including through the acquisition of green space as well as protecting rivers and streams. Entities eligible for funding include local governments, parks districts, conservation districts, and 501 (c) (3) environmental and conservation organizations. Recipients were announced on April 1 after being vetted by Ohio’s 19 regional natural resource assistance councils. 

Funding for the program totals $19.2 million and will help 37 projects in 26 counties. The project is funded through a combination of appropriations from House Bills (HB) 687 and 597 from the 134th General Assembly as well as through the 135th General Assembly’s biennial budget bill, HB 33. The grant money will be used to improve and expand the Wildlife Sanctuary at Mill Creek MetroParks as well as support the Kerestes Cliffs in the Columbiana County Park District.