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Commissioners supporting garden project in Sheffield

The Warren County commissioners are considering supporting a community garden project in Sheffield.

Commissioner Jeff Eggleston said garden organizers are seeking Act 13 funds to assist with startup.

Act 13 funds — which come from the state’s Marcellus Shale impact fee — are divided into several different categories or “buckets” that counties can utilize.

Eggleston said the request would be for $1,800 to purchase soil, wheelbarrows, gloves, and other supplies and tools needed.

He said the garden would be located behind the hardware store along the stream. He indicated that work has started with the installation of a fence and indicated the application for funds would include a community match.

Sandra Howard, an organizer on the project, told the commissioners that the original intent of the garden was “really just to get more community involvement and to bring some more fresh produce choices to our neighborhood.”

In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis and concerns about food security, she “thought what a better time than now to really get this going and get it on its feet,” Howard said, indicating approximately 10 people have been involved in the project to date.

She said seeds have been donated as well as pallets from Sheffield Container and wood for planter boxes.

“Everything (is) coming together real well,” she said, telling the commissioners any excess produce would be donated to the food pantry.

The fund where the money would come from carries a six-figure balance

Eggleston is hoping the commissioners can act on the funding application on Wednesday, calling it a “good community project.”

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