Canton Reporter

The City of Canton and Canton City Public Health (CCPH) have recently announced the establishment of the Republic Canton Community Fund. This fund is a result of a Final Judgement and Consent Order issued by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in an air pollution case against Republic Steel.

According to the Consent Order, Republic Steel has been ordered to pay $300,000, which will be used for cleaning of residences or other activities at the City of Canton’s discretion, with community input and Ohio EPA’s approval. The fund aims to address the dust accumulation and staining on residential properties caused by Republic Steel’s operations between the years 2017 and 2023.

The designated areas for the use of the Republic Canton Community Fund have been identified based on air pollution complaints and monitoring data. These areas include a residential area south of Republic Steel, bordered by 8th Street NE, Marietta Avenue NE, Tuscarawas St. E., and Gobel Avenue NE. Additionally, a residential area east of Republic Steel near the intersection of Trump Avenue NE and Georgetown Road NE is also included.

To address the air pollution issues in these areas, the City of Canton and CCPH will be soliciting bids from contractors to perform exterior cleaning services for residences in the designated areas. These services will be carried out between April and October 2024. All residents in the designated areas will receive a letter outlining the process for scheduling the free cleaning service once a contractor is secured.

If there are any funds remaining after the completion of the exterior cleaning program, the community in the designated areas will be consulted to determine the best use of the remaining funds.

Terri Dzienis, the Air Pollution Control Director, is the point of contact for any inquiries regarding the Republic Canton Community Fund Program. She can be reached at 330-438-4640.

For more information and to view a map of the designated areas, interested individuals can visit the Canton City Public Health website at www.cantonhealth.org.

This initiative demonstrates the commitment of the City of Canton and CCPH to address the air pollution issues caused by Republic Steel's operations. By establishing the Republic Canton Community Fund, the authorities are taking proactive measures to ensure the well-being and quality of life for residents in the affected areas.