(COLUMBUS, Ohio)- Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik today announced $106.9 million in state support to help clean up and redevelop 61 hazardous brownfield sites in 22 counties.

The Ohio Department of Development is awarding the funding through the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program, which was created by the DeWine-Husted Administration in 2021. Today's announcement includes approximately $102.4 million for 35 cleanup/remediation projects and roughly $4.5 million for 26 assessment projects.

"There is no easy way to clean up the contamination at these sites; they all need expert remediation that's too costly for communities to take on alone," said Governor DeWine. "Through this program, we're helping local communities reclaim hazardous properties so that they can be reimagined and redeveloped."

"These grants will take hazardous properties and turn them into valuable economic assets for residential and commercial development," said Lt. Governor Husted. "I am hopeful these sites will serve to provide new businesses, new jobs, and new homes for the next generation of Ohioans."

MORE DETAILS: Full list of New Brownfield Remediation Projects

The Ohio General Assembly is funding the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program through the current operating budget. Ohio's 88 counties were each eligible for at least $1 million in funding, with the remaining funds awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Funds awarded today will help assess and clean up industrial, commercial, and institutional brownfield sites that are abandoned, idled, or underutilized due to a known or potential release of hazardous substances or petroleum. Following site remediation, properties can be redeveloped to revitalize neighborhoods and attract new economic development.

Since the launch of the program, the Ohio Department of Development has awarded more than $450 million to support 374 projects in 83 counties. Additional awards will be announced in the coming months.

"More than anything, this program is turning challenges into opportunities," said Director Mihalik. "These funds will empower our community leaders to create safe, vibrant spaces that attract investment and enhance the lives of Ohioans."

New projects receiving awards include:

• Central Ohio Community Improvement Corporation
  Project Name: The Civic
  $5,157,454 Cleanup/Remediation
  This project involves comprehensive remediation and abatement of hazardous materials in a former government office building, including structural stabilization and asbestos and mold removal. The building will be redeveloped into an office space with amenities such as a restaurant/cafe and workout facility. The project is expected to create 200 jobs.

• Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corporation
  Project Name: Shoreway Tower
  $2,278,756 Cleanup/Remediation
  Boasting a long industrial history, including uses as a beer garden, dance hall, and various manufacturing operations, this site now contains a vacant, dilapidated single-family home and old parking structures that require demolition. Remediation activities include soil removal and disposal of contaminated materials, soil capping, and re-routing an existing storm/sanitary line. The redevelopment plan includes constructing a 13-story mixed-use complex with market-rate apartments, retail spaces, and a public art gallery. Six jobs are anticipated to be created as a result of the project.

• Delaware County Land Reutilization Corporation
  Project Name: 7775 Dublin Rd Brownfield Grant
  $400,000 Cleanup/Remediation
  This project involves the cleanup and remediation of a site at 7775 Dublin Road, previously used as a convenience store with second-floor residential apartments. The property has a history of fuel dispensing from underground storage tanks, with potential environmental risks associated with these operations. The project includes groundwater treatment to remove contaminants and petroleum, closure of a discovered cistern, dismantling of existing remediation systems, and installation of infrastructure enhancements to support additional businesses. The site will be redeveloped to include a coffee shop and charcuterie board prep kitchen, run by women-owned small businesses. The redevelopment aims to enhance the commercial potential of the property, create six new jobs, and retain eight existing positions.

• Lucas County Land Reutilization Corporation
  Project Name: Glass City Metropark Remediation Project
  $1,052,938 Cleanup/Remediation
  Formerly a coal fly ash storage area, this site is now owned by the Metropolitan Park District of the Toledo Area. The project includes removing stone drives, disposing of contaminated soil, and site restoration with clean topsoil. The site will be redeveloped into an urban campground with campsites, a pavilion, cabins, and parking areas, enhancing recreational opportunities. The remediation will transform the site into part of the Glass City Metropark, providing environmental and health benefits to the community.

• Mahoning County Land Reutilization Corporation
  Project Name: The Youngstown Flea
  $2,680,371 Cleanup/Remediation
  This historic industrial site, originally built in 1870 and now owned by the nonprofit Youngstown Flea, Inc., contains hazardous materials including asbestos and contaminated building materials. Planned activities include asbestos abatement, selective demolition, and the removal of contaminated materials. The project aims to restore and redevelop the site while preserving its historical integrity, creating a mixed-use space for community events and businesses. This effort will generate 155 new jobs and revitalize the local area.

• Montgomery County Land Bank
  Project Name: Dayton Tire
  $300,000 Assessment
  This project involves additional environmental assessment of a former tire and rubber manufacturing site, active from the 1930s to 1980s. Previous assessments revealed soil and groundwater contamination. The project aims to conduct further sampling and analysis to develop a comprehensive remediation plan. The site, owned by the Restore Life Development Group, is vacant and proposed for redevelopment into a mixed-use community space with senior housing, leisure facilities, and green spaces.

The Brownfield Remediation Program is part of Governor Mike DeWine's Ohio BUILDS Initiative, which focuses on supporting targeted solutions that impact quality of life, such as water infrastructure improvements, broadband expansion, brownfield redevelopment, and the demolition of blighted buildings. 

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