The Village of Leipsic, Ohio, was awarded a $3.5-million grant to assist in developing its 244-acre industrial site served by three railroads, the Putnam County Sentinel reports. 

At a Leipsic Council meeting, Leipsic Mayor Kevin Benton and village administrator Kevin Lammon informed council members that the village has been selected to receive this grant.



The Ohio Department of Development is prepared to demonstrate its support for the Iron Highway Industrial Site Job Ready Site (JRS) project with its preliminary commitment of assistance, valued up to $3.5 million from the Ohio Job Ready Site Program. 

Leipsic will first have to contribute approximately $700,000 as its match.

 With the grant, the village will acquire 244 acres that are currently under contract and make improvements to the project site. Improvements to the site include an extension of the village's process water line to the site, extension of two gas lines and installation of a switch to connect the I & O Railway's track to the Village of Leipsic, according to a summary of incentives from the Ohio Department of Development.



"We'll have everything that needs to be there," said Lammon. "This funding will help us connect our short rail to the I & O Railroad. The biggest advantage we'll have is the access to three railroads."



He added that this site is highly attractive to industries that produce heavy or large amounts of product, such as grain or metal.



"This JRS Grant gives us the chance to do what we can't do on our own," said Lammon. "We don't have an extra $3.5 million laying around to create a site like this. It will really help establish the Village of Leipsic economically for years to come."