
Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik revealed an $86.1 million state funding initiative to clean and revitalize 81 hazardous brownfield sites across 46 counties. These projects, part of the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program, aim to transform underutilized and contaminated properties into valuable community assets.
Statewide Redevelopment Efforts
The Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program, launched by the DeWine-Husted Administration in 2021, provides crucial support for cleaning up brownfield sites that are abandoned or contaminated by hazardous substances. The latest announcement allocates $82.1 million for 65 cleanup projects and $4 million for 16 assessment initiatives.
Since its inception, the program has awarded $636 million to fund 626 projects across 86 counties. Each county is eligible for at least $1 million in funding, with additional allocations based on a first-come, first-served basis. These funds will help restore industrial, commercial, and institutional sites, paving the way for economic development and revitalized neighborhoods.
Highlighted Projects
Several projects from the latest round of funding stand out for their impact on local communities:
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Cuyahoga County: The Centennial Building ($10 million)
- This project focuses on asbestos and lead-based paint removal, along with soil gas mitigation, at the historic Centennial Building in downtown Cleveland. Plans for the 1.4 million-square-foot property include converting it into workforce housing, office spaces, and retail outlets. The redevelopment will create 350 permanent jobs and support more than 3,200 construction jobs.
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Delaware County: 50 Channing Street Redevelopment ($921,438)
- This initiative involves asbestos abatement, lead paint removal, and the demolition of three structures at the former Delaware County Engineers’ property. The site will be transformed into a mixed-use community, featuring 44 affordable rental apartments, eight single-family homes, sustainable infrastructure, and public utilities.
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Hamilton County: West Fork Incinerator ($5.05 million)
- The demolition and remediation of a decommissioned incinerator contaminated with asbestos, lead-based paint, and hazardous materials are at the core of this project. The site will integrate into Cincinnati’s CROWN master plan for a 100+ mile trail network, enhancing recreational and transportation opportunities.
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Washington County: Belpre Medical Campus ($1.59 million)
- This project includes demolishing a 74,592-square-foot industrial building and remediating stained soils. The site will be repurposed as a women’s and children’s hospital, housing pediatric and obstetric services. The redevelopment will create 50 new jobs and retain 200 existing positions.
Ohio BUILDS Initiative
The Brownfield Remediation Program is part of Governor DeWine’s broader Ohio BUILDS Initiative. This initiative prioritizes projects that enhance quality of life, including water infrastructure improvements, broadband expansion, and blight removal.
Governor DeWine emphasized the program’s transformative potential, saying, “By addressing these hazardous properties, we’re not only revitalizing our neighborhoods but also creating opportunities for economic growth and community pride.”
The funding will ensure that communities across Ohio can restore neglected sites, fostering economic activity and improved living conditions. For a complete list of funded projects, click here.