OH: Gov. DeWine Announces $107M in Brownfield Remediation to Create Redevelopment Opportunities

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik today announced $106.9 million in state support to help clean up and redevelop 61 hazardous brownfield sites in 22 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. Today’s announcement includes approximately $102.4 million for 35 cleanup/remediation projects and roughly $4.5 million for 26 assessment projects.

"There is no easy way to clean up the contamination at these sites; they all need expert remediation that's too costly for communities to take on alone," said Governor DeWine. "Through this program, we're helping local communities reclaim hazardous properties so that they can be reimagined and redeveloped."

“These grants will take hazardous properties and turn them into valuable economic assets for residential and commercial development,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “I am hopeful these sites will serve to provide new businesses, new jobs, and new homes for the next generation of Ohioans.”

The Ohio General Assembly is funding the Ohio Brownfield Remediation 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.  

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.

Since the launch of the program, the Ohio Department of Development has awarded more than $450 million to support 374 projects in 83 counties. Additional awards will be announced in the coming months.  

“More than anything, this program is turning challenges into opportunities,” said Director Mihalik. “These funds will empower our community leaders to create safe, vibrant spaces that attract investment and enhance the lives of Ohioans.”