COLUMBUS, Ohio — Editor's note: Video in the player at the top of this story was originally published in an unrelated article regarding the state's capital budget on June 14, 2022.
$192 million in grant money was announced Friday morning by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine that will support 112 projects “that will help clean up contaminated properties” to make way for future economic development.
Gov. DeWine’s office says this money, as part of the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program, will impact projects in 41 of the state’s counties.
“These properties are vital spaces in our communities, ones that are not only being wasted in their current capacity, but oftentimes are a danger to their local communities,” Gov. DeWine said. “Today, we’re reclaiming these spaces for the future of our residents, businesses and communities.”
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The plan includes approximately $187.8 million for 79 clean-up projects and $4.5 million for 33 assessment projects. These grants are in addition to the $60 million in Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program grants awarded in April with an additional $98 in the coming months.
“Funds awarded today will help to 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,” Gov. DeWine’s office said. “Following site remediation, properties can be redeveloped to revitalize neighborhoods and attract new economic development.”
“These funds are significant investments in the future of our communities,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “By cleaning up these hazardous sites, we’re creating new opportunities for economic growth that will benefit businesses and residents for years to come.”
Examples among the 112 projects receiving funding are:
- Beacon Communities (Cuyahoga): $1,450,000 million for the remediation of asbestos and lead paint at the Central High School building, which has been vacant since 2013 and is currently a danger to the neighborhood in its current condition. Initially constructed in the 1880s for residential properties, the site was later an ice cream factory in the 1920s, and all structures were demolished by the late 1930s to make way for the construction of Central High School. The building operated as a school until 2013 and has been vacant since. After cleanup, the property will be renovated as approximately 80 affordable apartments for seniors and community space.
- Western Reserve Port Authority (Mahoning): $496,000 for the removal of petroleum contaminants and groundwater remediation of CASTLO Area A, which is a five-acre property that was once part of the Youngstown Sheet and Tub Struthers division. After cleanup, the site will be redeveloped as a mixed-use facility, supporting a new retail outlet, indoor sports training, and small manufacturing operations. Site acreage along the Yellow Creek and Mahoning River will become a public park and gathering space for outdoor activities.
You can explore full details on where the grant money is going by reviewing the document below:
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Editor's note: Video in the player above was originally published in an unrelated story on June 15, 2022.