Governor DeWine announces 61 new brownfield remediation grants; 2 Highland County projects awarded
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik Tuesday announced $58.2 million in state support to help clean up and redevelop 61 hazardous brownfield sites in 33 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. Tuesday’s announcement includes approximately $55.9 million for 46 cleanup/remediation projects and nearly $2.4 million for 15 assessment projects.
Since the launch of the program, the Department of Development has awarded more than $560 million to support 550 projects in 86 counties.
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.
The Ohio General Assembly is funding the 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.
The Highland County Land Reutilization Corporation (land bank) had two projects awarded:
• 351 East Main Street - Former Gas Station, $129,082 Assessment. This project includes a phase II assessment and geophysical survey to determine contamination at a former gas station and auto service site, with historic use dating back to the 1930s. The assessment will address potential soil and groundwater contamination associated with underground storage tanks, preparing the site for future commercial redevelopment.
• 204 East Jefferson Street - Former Machine Shop, $130,919 Assessment. The project includes a phase II assessment and geophysical survey at a former machine shop and auto repair facility, which has potential soil and groundwater contamination from its historic use. Once assessed and remediated, the property will be positioned for commercial redevelopment.
Other area projects include:
• Pike County Land Reutilization Corporation
Ricer Gas Station
$119,659 Cleanup/Remediation
This project will remove the underground storage tank system, petroleum-contaminated soil and water from the former Ricer Gas Station site. Located along a state route, this site has high potential for commercial use, attracting interest from developers once environmental hazards are addressed.
• Pike County Land Reutilization Corporation
Waverly Bi-Lo Redevelopment
$244,000 Cleanup/Remediation
This project will include soil and groundwater cleanup at a former gas station site. Upon completion, the site will be ready for commercial redevelopment.
• Ross County Land Reutilization Corporation Transit Parcel
$1,000,000 Cleanup/Remediation
Remedial activities at this former CSX property adjacent to Chillicothe’s City Transit Station will include soil excavation. The project supports future residential and commercial development, including infrastructure for electric vehicle transportation. The city of Chillicothe plans to develop affordable workforce housing and transit-related facilities on the site.
For a full list of new brownfield remediation projects, click here. https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/OHIOGOVERNOR/2024/11/18/fil…
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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