Press release from the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation The Seneca County Land bank received over $4 million in Neighborhood Initiative Program funds to demolish blighted houses in the county - $4,025,000 to be exact.  Seneca County was one of the highest funded counties which speaks highly to the quality of the project, the application and the partners involved. “This is a wonderful opportunity for Seneca County,” Seneca County Treasurer Damon Alt said.  “This kind of money will allow us to eliminate blighted houses and increase overall property values in area neighborhoods.” Currently, the Land Bank has identified 161 properties throughout the county for potential demolition with this award.  This allocation was made possible because of the large number of partners, including (but not limited to) the Seneca County Commissioners, the Seneca County Treasurer’s Office, the Seneca County Prosecutor’s Office, the City of Tiffin, the City of Fostoria, and the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation office. “For a community like Fostoria, this kind of money will have a tremendous impact,” said Renee Smith, President of the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation.  “Citizens will see the results of this funding and it will benefit the entire county.” Seneca County formed the Land Bank in November of 2015 by resolution of the Seneca County Commissioners.  A Land Bank is a tool used to strategically acquire properties, return them to productive use, reduce blight, increase property values, and improve the quality of life for county residents.  The formation of the Land Bank demonstrated our elected official’s commitment to healthy, sustainable community redevelopment within Seneca County. The Seneca County Land Bank will begin acquiring the identified properties and demolition activity will then follow.  This will be an ongoing process but will directly impact property values, safety and even community pride.