Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is taking a further step in the battle against the blight of illegal dumping by channeling funds into the cleanup efforts. Yost's office has earmarked $1 million for grants to support local governments in eradicating these unsightly and unhealthy dump sites and implementing preventive measures. According to an announcement today by the Ohio Attorney General, this initiative is a continuation of the “Shine a Light on Dumpers” campaign, which has previously aided in apprehending individuals involved in improper waste disposal.
The initiative, already recognized for aiding the identification and charging of Brookfield resident Mark Domascieno for illegal tire dumping, is seeing an expansion that now includes financial assistance for affected communities. "Illegal dumping is an ugly, unhealthy problem no community should face,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost stated. “We’re providing real dollars to help with the cleanup efforts to take the load off local officials.” Eligible county and local governments can now apply for up to $100,000 to clean up illegal dump sites, and an additional $20,000 is available for preventive measures such as signs, gates, or barriers.
The grant application process is open and will run until February 28, 2025, or until the allocated funds are depleted. The grants will be distributed on a rolling basis to ensure prompt assistance in various affected regions. With this financial aid, Yost is dedicating resources to addressing present garbage and helping dissuade potential future offenses through fortified measures.
"From Youngstown to Cincinnati and points all around, illegal dumping – sadly – is happening everywhere," Yost said, as per the official press release. The Attorney General's office aims to renew Ohio's neighborhoods' environmental integrity and aesthetics by offering resources to local governments to combat this pervasive issue.
