Ohio Department of Development Announces $88M for Brownfield Remediation

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Development has announced the next round of funding through the state’s Brownfield Remediation Program, which will provide $88 million to clean up contaminated and underutilized sites across the state.

The program is designed to remediate industrial, commercial and institutional properties that are abandoned, idled or underused because of the release or potential release of hazardous substances or petroleum. Applications open at 10 a.m. Nov. 12 and close at 5 p.m. Dec. 5.

Through 10 rounds of funding, the program has awarded nearly $717 million to support 681 projects in 86 counties, according to the department.

“This program keeps momentum going,” Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel said in a statement. “It inspires local leaders to reimagine what’s possible in their communities and unlocks new opportunities that benefit both residents and our economy.”

Funding for the upcoming round was included in the most recent state budget, House Bill 96, which allocated $200 million for the program. At least $1 million will be reserved for projects in each of Ohio’s 88 counties and will be awarded on a merit basis.

Eligible projects include assessment and remediation of brownfield sites. Entities that contributed to the contamination of a property are not eligible to apply.

The Brownfield Remediation Program is part of Gov. Mike DeWine’s Ohio BUILDS initiative, which also focuses on water infrastructure improvements, broadband expansion and demolition of blighted buildings.

The Department of Development will host a webinar Oct. 28 to review guidelines and answer questions from potential applicants.

The department is also accepting designations for Priority Investment Areas, which are intended to help communities affected by the decline of the coal industry redevelop eligible brownfield and former coal mine sites. The designation allows access to additional benefits, including up to $10 million in remediation grants, a five-year tax exemption for certain energy transmission equipment and expedited Ohio Power Siting Board review.