COLUMBUS, OH - Gov. Mike DeWine announced that Ohio will award $61 million in Brownfield remediation grants to projects in 75 counties aimed at cleaning up contaminated and abandoned properties across the state.
Several major projects in West Central Ohio were among those selected for funding, including the demolition of the former Hardin Hills property in Kenton, remediation work at the former Republic Creosote property in Allen County, continued cleanup efforts at the former Philips Display Components plant in Ottawa and asbestos remediation projects at the Van Wert YWCA, former Lincoln Elementary in Findlay and the former St. Marys municipal building.
Allen County received nearly $1 million in funding for four projects. The largest award, totaling $704,242, will support environmental remediation at the former Republic Creosote Property, a former wood treatment facility. Cleanup efforts will include excavation and consolidation of contaminated soil to prepare approximately 23 acres for future industrial redevelopment.
Additional Allen County projects include a $65,000 environmental assessment at the former Beaverdam gas station, $152,710 for cleanup work at the former EDCO property in Lima and $78,000 for environmental assessments at the Warner Property in Lima.
Auglaize County received $770,799 for two cleanup projects. The funding includes $169,868 to demolish a deteriorated former office building in Wapakoneta and $600,931 for asbestos abatement at the former St. Marys municipal building. Officials said the cleared site in St. Marys will be incorporated into Memorial Park.
Putnam County was awarded $1 million for continued remediation work at the former Philips Display Components Manufacturing Facility in Ottawa. The project includes installing systems to address vapor intrusion risks and prepare the 22-acre property for future business development. Officials said the project is expected to create 30 jobs.
Hardin County also received $1 million for cleanup and demolition work at the former Hardin Hills property at 1211 W. Lima St. in Kenton. The project includes removing asbestos-containing materials from the former county infirmary and health center before demolition and redevelopment.
Hancock County was awarded nearly $1 million for three projects, including $663,998 for asbestos abatement and demolition work at the former Lincoln Elementary School in Findlay. The building is expected to be redeveloped into a mixed-use property featuring residential units, office space and potential retail amenities.
Additional Hancock County projects include environmental assessments at former gas station sites in Bluffton and along Tiffin Avenue in Findlay. The Tiffin Avenue property is planned for redevelopment into a Holistic Health and Resilience Center focused on mental wellness and support services.
Mercer County received $300,000 to assess a former grain processing and storage site known as Mercer Landmark to determine environmental impacts and prepare the property for possible redevelopment.
Van Wert County received $1 million for five projects, including asbestos remediation work at the Van Wert YWCA, demolition of contaminated downtown properties and cleanup activities at the former Glenmore Station property. Funding was also awarded for environmental assessments at the former Delphos Water Plant.
State officials said the Brownfield grants are intended to help communities remove environmental hazards, eliminate blight and prepare sites for future economic development opportunities throughout Ohio.
