Findlay, Ohio, Dec. 6, 2001 — The University of Findlay’s Environmental Resource Training Center has been awarded a $137,570 grant from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).

The funds will be used to provide hazardous materials training courses for volunteer firefighters across the state. The courses will train more than 1,200 volunteer firefighters and emergency response personnel.

UF’s center was one of 14 programs throughout the state that received funding from the PUCO. The PUCO awards hazardous materials planning and training grants to local government subdivisions, educational institutions and state agencies in Ohio. Money for these grants comes from fines paid by hazardous material carriers and shippers. Individual grants are based on applications to PUCO and are awarded on a reimbursement basis.

Since the Environmental Resource Training Center at The University of Findlay was established in 1989, more than 15,000 trainees from 43 states, Canada, Puerto Rico and six foreign countries have used the center’s facilities.