Date: December 30, 2008
Source: News Room
Indiana's Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) said it has temporarily halted funding for state grant and loan programs that support recycling and pollution prevention at least through 2010. Citing the impact of the recession, the agency said in a statement that it was doing so because it "may not be feasible" for cash-strapped local governments and businesses to provide the matching dollars needed for the state-funded programs.
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For immediate release: Dec 30, 2008
Like rest of nation, IDEM adjusts to current economic climate
As all levels of government across the country grapple and adjust to landmark budget reductions, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is working to effectively manage grant and loan programs while safeguarding Hoosier tax dollars.
IDEM is temporarily suspending state-funded grant and loan programs for business and local government recycling and pollution prevention projects. These loan and grant programs require local government and businesses to put up matching dollars, which may not be feasible at this time because of the economy. State grant and loan programs temporarily suspended include: Waste Tire grants, Recycling grants, Pollution Prevention grants, Public Education Promotion grants, Household Hazardous Waste grants, and Recycling Market and Development Program loans.
"Current programs and local recycling programs offered by local Solid Waste Management Districts should not be affected, and the public will still be able to find recycling services and information provided by IDEM and their local government," said Thomas Easterly, IDEM commissioner. "And the temporary change should have no adverse impact on the numerous stewardship and pollution programs or federally-funded grant and loan programs IDEM facilitates."
"IDEM is still continuing to provide free technical assistance on recycling efforts, and this base of knowledge is invaluable," said Rick Bossingham, assistant commissioner for IDEM's Office of Pollution Prevention and Technical Assistance. "We strongly encourage businesses and citizens to tap into this valuable state resource and wealth of information to identify and find alternative ways to conduct operations in a manner that is more efficient, yet environmentally-friendly."
Additional information about IDEM and its programs can be found at www.idem.IN.gov.
About IDEM
IDEM (www.idem.IN.gov) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids business and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment.
Contact: Allison Fore
Phone: (317) 232-8500
Email: afore@idem.IN.gov.
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