Attorney General Tom Corbett this week distributed more than $50,000 to benefit public safety and environmental efforts in Greenville, Mercer County, as part of the resolution of a criminal case brought by the Attorney General's Environmental Crimes Section against Texas-based Trinity Industries.

General Corbett was joined by representatives from organizations in Mercer County to explain how this money will support local emergency response and environmental activities.

General Corbett said the money being distributed is part of the court sentence for Trinity Industries Railcar Corporation, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, which operated a facility in Greenville, Mercer County.

On April 4, 2006, Trinity Industries was charged with illegally disposing of contaminated soil and other waste at its manufacturing and repair facility in Greenville.

On Dec. 21, 2006, Trinity entered a plea of no contest to charges of unlawfully dumping solid waste and operating a solid waste disposal facility without a permit. Trinity Industries was ordered to clean up environmental contamination at the Greenville site and pay a $200,000 fine to the Pennsylvania Solid Waste Abatement Fund.

Additionally, the court ordered Trinity to make a $50,000 contribution to non-profit organizations in Mercer County.

"As Attorney General, I am committed to investigating and prosecuting environmental crimes throughout the state," General Corbett said. "In addition to holding violators accountable for their actions, it is important that we work to direct settlement funds into conservation, education and public safety efforts that will benefit all Pennsylvanians."

The money, including interest, is being divided between five organizations and will support various community efforts and environmental projects:

· Greenville Borough will receive $15,129 to be used for a public works building;

· Greenville Fire Department will receive $10,086 to provide protective clothing;

· Hempfield Township Volunteer Fire Department will receive $10,086 in equipment;

· West Salem Volunteer Fire Department will receive $10,086 in protective clothing; and

· Shenango River Watchers will receive $5,043 in support of its ongoing conservation efforts.

2/23/2007