Grant Allocated for Electronics Recycling Plant

The U.S. Economic Development Administration awarded a grant of $325,000 that is designed to assist in building an electronics disposition facility in the Austin, Tex., area.

The grant, awarded to the non-profit operation Ecolibrium, will go toward creating a park that would allow companies, government agencies and the public to recycle electronic devices.

"I see this as trying to solve an environmental problem at the same time as addressing a business need," says Greg Pitts, executive director of Ecolibrium.

With the federal funding it is hoped construction could start early next year.

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, helped Ecolibrium attract the latest funding, along with a previous grant. Ecolibrium received $200,000 in 1999 to conduct a feasibility study.

"Ecolibrium is being responsive to community needs and desires, working to create new jobs while being good stewards of the planet," Doggett said. "This type of innovative economic development coupled with environmental benefits will be a valuable addition to Central Texas and one which I will continue supporting in Washington."

The new federal funds will enable Ecolibrium to finalize site selection, perform preliminary site analysis (infrastructure design, pre-engineering and environmental analysis, site layout and planning), develop the organizational structure for the park, identify future tenants, and facilitate further capacity building. Ecolibrium will work collaboratively with the local community to assure that the development resulting from the master plan is in keeping with their vision of the future.

The federal funds are provided through the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration.