Hardin County Secures Opportunity Zone 2.0 Designation for Southern Kenton, Buck Township

KENTON, Ohio — The Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance (The Alliance) announced yesterday that Census Tract 39065000600 (Tract 6)—encompassing Southern Kenton and Buck Township—has been designated as an Ohio Opportunity Zone 2.0. Effective January 1, 2027, this federal designation positions the corridor for a 10-year cycle of targeted private capital investment and local job creation.

Opportunity Zones are a federal economic development tool designed to spur long-term private investment in designated communities. Reinvesting eligible capital gains into Qualified Opportunity Funds (QOFs) operating within Tract 6 provides investors with key federal tax incentives, including deferral, basis step-ups, and tax-free appreciation on investments held for at least ten years.

Under rural qualification criteria, projects within Tract 6 qualify for an enhanced 30% rural basis step-up—triple the standard urban incentive—alongside reduced substantial improvement thresholds. These advantages significantly improve financial competitiveness for industrial, commercial, and workforce housing developments.

The successful nomination initiative was spearheaded by The Alliance in partnership with the Hardin County Board of Commissioners, the Buck Township Trustees, and the City of Kenton, all of whom shared enthusiasm for bringing this high-impact financial incentive to the region.

“Securing Opportunity Zone 2.0 status for Tract 6 provides Hardin County with a premier, decade-long financial framework to attract high-impact investment,” said Holli Underwood, President & CEO and Director of Economic and Community Development for The Alliance. “Because this corridor already features robust public water and sewer utilities, this designation allows us to direct private equity toward shovel-ready sites best equipped to expand employment and strengthen our regional tax base.”

Businesses, property owners, developers, and investors seeking details regarding Opportunity Zone 2.0 incentives or site opportunities within Tract 6 are invited to contact The Alliance at (419) 673-4131 or via email at hunderwood@hccba.com.