Contact:  Sharon Goble (517) 241-8280

Standish Company Earns Pollution Prevention Loan

A project proposed by Easy Laundry and Cleaners of Standish has qualified for a $9,373 low-interest loan under the Department of Environmental Quality’s Small Business Pollution Prevention Loan Program.

The program is part of the Clean Michigan Initiative, a $675 million environmental bond proposed by Governor John Engler and overwhelmingly approved by voters in 1998.

"This program provides access to financing for small businesses that want to make environmental improvements through pollution prevention," DEQ Director Russell Harding said. "Even small investments, if that’s what the company can afford, can make a positive difference for the environment."

The air board press will replace a less efficient press. In addition, the installation of the new equipment is expected to reduce natural gas usage by 30 percent, and lower the amount of water needed for boiler water treatment by 30 percent.

"We are a small business seeking a small loan, but we’re proud to be able to use that loan money to make a difference in the environment for our employees and our community," said Lisa Hinkley, manager of Easy Laundry and Cleaners.

Small businesses with fewer than 100 employees can qualify for the program. Projects that eliminate or reduce waste through source reduction or environmentally sound reuse or recycling are considered for loan funding.

Loans of up to $100,000 are available to all private business sectors, including manufacturing, farming, retail and service.

The DEQ and the company’s bank each fund 50 percent of the loan amount, ensuring that the maximum interest rate to the borrower does not exceed the 5- percent rate established by the state statute creating this program. In this instance, Citizens Bank of Standish is participating in the loan.

For more information on the loan program, contact the DEQ at 1-800-662-9278.

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