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Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Says Grants Help Businesses Use Recyclable Materials in Finished Products

Posted on: Friday, 2 June 2006, 12:00 CDT

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell said today Pennsylvania is taking aggressive steps to make environmental protection an engine for economic growth with a $1 million investment that will help manufacturers increase their use of recyclable materials in the production of finished products.

"Our first priority is a cleaner environment, but we are also looking for ways to create new jobs and spur economic growth," Governor Rendell said. "This investment will support businesses and nonprofit organizations and increase the demand for recyclable materials."

The Recycling Markets Infrastructure Development Grant Program aims to increase the volume of recyclable materials consumed in the production of finished goods and, by extension, increase the demand for recyclable goods recovered in Pennsylvania.

"The success of the commonwealth's recycling programs is directly related to demand for recyclable goods," said Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty.

Pennsylvania's recycling and reuse industry is a national leader in employment, payroll and sales numbers. More than 3,240 recycling and reuse businesses and organizations made more than $18 billion in gross annual sales, paid $305 million in taxes and provided jobs for 81,322 employees at an annual payroll of approximately $2.9 billion.

The Recycling Markets Infrastructure Development Grant Program awards grants of up to $500,000 for purchases of machinery or equipment that will increase consumption of recyclable materials recovered in the commonwealth.

The grants are available to startup companies as well as existing businesses and nonprofit organizations that currently are manufacturing a product or engaged in reusing an existing product utilizing recyclable material from Pennsylvania.

Applications will be accepted until Aug. 31.

"This grant program is a win for the environment and a win for Pennsylvania's economy," McGinty said. "These grants will leverage investments by Pennsylvania businesses and increase demand for recyclable materials."

The state's recycling programs are supported by a $2 tipping fee on each ton of waste deposited in Pennsylvania landfills. However, that fee runs only through 2008. Governor Rendell is working with the legislature to extend that deadline so the commonwealth continues to enjoy the economic and environmental benefits of recycling.

For more information on the Recycling Markets Infrastructure Development Grant Program, or to obtain a grant application, visit DEP's Web site at http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/, Keyword: "Recycling."

The Rendell Administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit his Web site at: http://www.governor.state.pa.us/.

CONTACT: Kate Philips 717-783-1116 Charlie Young, DEP 717-787-1323

Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

CONTACT: Kate Philips of the Pennsylvania Office of the Governor,+1-717-783-1116; Charlie Young of Pennsylvania Department of EnvironmentalProtection, +1-717-787-1323

Web site: http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/http://www.governor.state.pa.us/

Source: PRNewswire

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