State Announces $88 Million in Brownfield Grants to Create Redevelopment Opportunities; 3 Hardin County Sites Included

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted today announced $88 million in state support for 123 brownfield remediation projects that will help clean up hazardous and underutilized sites throughout the state.

The Ohio Department of Development is funding the awards through the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program, which is designed to clean up and prepare hazardous brownfield sites for redevelopment. The projects announced today will impact communities in 35 counties across the state.

“Our goal is to create opportunities and make a positive difference in the lives of Ohioans,” said Governor DeWine. “Removing these eyesores and cleaning up blighted properties will help make way for new and exciting opportunities in our state.”

Today’s $88 million grant announcement includes approximately $79.3 million for cleanup/remediation projects and $8.8 million for 51 assessment projects. These grants are in addition to the $60 million in Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program grants awarded in April and $192 million awarded in June. In total, the DeWine-Husted Administration has invested nearly $350 million in funding through the program to support 313 projects in 83 counties.

“Not only are we removing hazardous materials and blight through this program, but we’re removing barriers to future development,” said Lt. Governor Husted.
“Communities are one step closer to building great development sites in their regions.”

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.

“Revitalizing these properties can transform the landscape of a local community,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “By investing in these sites, we allow communities to turn them into something that is worth noting, visiting and a highlight to the local area.”

The Hardin County Board of Commissioners was approved for three grants, each for around $300,000:

.Hardin County Board of Commissioners (Hardin)
Project Name: Kenton Feed & Grain
$300,000
Assessment
The property was the site of a former grain elevator constructed circa 1910 and
has been abandoned for approximately 20 years. The property is significantly
deteriorated and will need to be demolished to allow safe environmental
assessment of the property. The property will be redeveloped for commercial/light
industrial use consistent with historical uses of the property.

.Hardin County Board of Commissioners (Hardin)
Project Name: Former Trailer Manufacturer
$297,500
Assessment
Located at the historical intersection of two major railroads, this site was originally
developed in 1895 as a metal manufacturing facility, and later as a corn meal mill
and trailer truck manufacturer. Several vacant structures remain on the site. The
property will be assessed for hazardous substances and petroleum. After
assessment, appropriate remediation will take place and the site will be
redeveloped for commercial/light use.

.Hardin County Board of Commissioners (Hardin)
Project Name: Dunkirk Masonic Temple
$300,000
Assessment
Originally developed in 1895 as a hardware store, grocer and butcher, the property
was located southeast of a flour mill powered by fuel oil, leading to suspected
contamination. One current structure remains on the site, originally home to the
Masonic Lodge and later the Dunkirk Masonic Temple. The site will be assessed for
asbestos and other environmental contaminants. After needed remediation, the
property will be redeveloped for commercial or mixed use.