Sat Feb 11 2012
Portage County officials acknowledge that it's a long shot, but the decision to go forward with a request for federal funding for a new county recycling facility doesn't seem like a bad idea.
A bid for $9.5 million in federal funds has been forwarded to U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan with the hope that the money will become available through a federal appropriations earmark.
Even if the county gets the money, that's only about half of what would be needed for a new recycling facility to replace the present one on Mogadore Road in Brimfield. The county's recycling district receives no money from the general fund, which means that the millions needed to match the grant would have to come from revenues generated by the recycling district.
Given the present economic climate, which has depressed prices for recyclables, that could pose a formidable challenge for the district, which would need to borrow $8.75 million for the local share of the project.
We can understand the reluctance of County Commissioner Maureen Frederick to go along with the grant request. She said that she is "very reluctant" to move forward on a proposal requiring such a match without a more definite plan for the facility.
The future of the facility at the Mogadore Road location could be questionable. While county officials have talked about establishing a garbage transfer station there to boost revenues, such a use may be at odds with Brimfield Township zoning and neighbors in the area are protesting expansion there. A review of the status of the recycling center has been requested.
Obtaining federal funding for the project seems to be far from guaranteed. If lightning should strike in the form of a green light from Washington, many details would need to be resolved, not the least of which would be the source of matching funds. At this point, though, we can't see any harm in the recycling district keeping its options open.
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