<B>Chelsea Center Working on R&D Grants</B>

The Chelsea Center for Recycling and Economic Development is working on several research and development and community development grants.

Some of their projects include: research with the University of Massachusetts Amherst to examine techniques to recycle 100% reclaimed rubber powder from tires into new parts; work with UMass-Lowell to further evaluate the use of aggregate from mixed plastic and fly ash in the manufacture of construction materials.

In addition, CCRED has four grants underway for the Fiscal Year community development program. These include: the City of Springfield will investigate recycling-based business opportunities for an eco-industrial park; the Center for Ecological Technology will develop a feasibility study for a wood pallet refurbishing facility in the Northern Berkshires; the University of Massachusetts Lowell will explore the potential for an urban vermicomposting enterprise in the city of Lowell; and the Millers River Community Development Corporation will develop a business plan for recycled wood products business. The next Community Development grant solicitation will be available in February, 2001.