Rep. Sykes Welcomes $1.5 Million EPA Grant for Stark Economic Development Board

Rep. Sykes Welcomes $1.5 Million EPA Grant for Stark Economic Development Board

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced a $1.5 million federal grant for the Stark Economic Development Board, which will support the acceleration of training local residents for environmental cleanup jobs while helping bring new life to old, contaminated sites. The funding comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The Stark Economic Development Board will conduct 22 environmental site assessments, develop a brownfield site inventory, 10 cleanup plans, and one community involvement plan. The funding will support Northeast Ohio communities' work to carry out cleanup and redevelopment projects on contaminated brownfield properties.

"This grant is about creating real opportunities for our community," said Rep. Sykes. "It gives people the skills they need to get good jobs and helps turn old, neglected sites into spaces that benefit everyone. This is a win for workers, neighborhoods, and our local economy. I will continue fighting to bring federal dollars back to Ohio's 13th Congressional District to ensure my constituents have the skills they need to compete in today's in-demand fields."

Once awarded, the program will have provided more than $3 billion in grant funding to assess and clean up contaminated properties and return blighted properties to productive reuse. Over the years, the relatively small federal investment has helped leverage nearly 230,000 public and private jobs. Rep. Sykes said the grant shows how federal investments can make a tangible difference, strengthening communities, growing local economies, and preparing residents for in-demand careers right here at home.