Area Sites Among Dozens To Receive Brownfield Mitigation Funds

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(Columbus) – The Ohio Department of Development has announced $58.2 million in state support to help clean up and redevelop 61 hazardous brownfield sites in 33 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 $55.9 million for 46 cleanup/remediation projects and nearly $2.4 million for 15 assessment projects. Since the launch of the program, the Department of Development has awarded more than $560 million to support 550 projects in 86 counties. 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.  

• Ross County Land Reutilization Corporation 
  Transit Parcel 
  $1,000,000 Cleanup/Remediation 
  Remedial activities at this former CSX property adjacent to Chillicothe’s City Transit Station will include soil excavation. The project supports future residential and commercial development, including infrastructure for electric vehicle transportation. The city of Chillicothe plans to develop affordable workforce housing and transit-related facilities on the site.

• Highland County Land Reutilization Corporation (Highland County)
  Project Name: 204 East Jefferson Street – Former Machine Shop $130,919 Assessment
  The project includes a phase II assessment and geophysical survey at a former machine shop and auto
  repair facility, which has potential soil and groundwater contamination from its historic use. Once
  assessed and remediated, the property will be positioned for commercial redevelopment.

• Highland County Land Reutilization Corporation (Highland County)
  Project Name: 351 East Main Street – Former Gas Station $129,082 Assessment
  This project includes a phase II assessment and geophysical survey to determine contamination at a
  former gas station and auto service site, with historic use dating back to the 1930s. The assessment will address potential soil and groundwater contamination associated with underground storage tanks, preparing the site for future commercial redevelopment.

• Jackson County Economic Development Board (Jackson County)
  Project Name: Bennett Avenue Redevelopment Project $290,272 Cleanup/Remediation
  The project will abate asbestos and conduct partial demolition of the former Jackson Precious Metals building, which has deteriorated significantly. Once remediated, the site will be ready for commercial redevelopment.
  
• Jackson County Economic Development Board (Jackson County)
  Project Name: Jackson Municipal Building $67,355 Cleanup/Remediation
  The project will abate asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paint in the Jackson Municipal
  Building, a historic structure built in 1936. Remediation will make portions of the building safe for
  commercial leasing, supporting the city’s revitalization efforts while preserving a community
  landmark.
  
• Jackson County Economic Development Board (Jackson County)
  Project Name: Former Dickason Bulk Fueling $220,000 Cleanup/Remediation
  The project will remediate soil and groundwater contamination at the former Dickason Bulk Fueling
  facility. Completion of the project will make the site suitable for future commercial or industrial use,
  supporting local economic growth.

• Pickaway County Port Authority (Pickaway County)
  Project Name: Pickaway ESC School $250,000 Cleanup/Remediation
  This project involves the removal of asbestos-containing materials from the Pickaway ESC School
  building to eliminate potential exposure risks for students, faculty, and visitors. The remediation will
  support renovation plans, including HVAC updates and other modernization efforts, preparing the
  school to better serve the community while enhancing safety.
  
• Pike County Land Reutilization Corporation (Pike County)
  Project Name: Ricer Gas Station $119,659 Cleanup/Remediation
  This project will remove the underground storage tank system, petroleum-contaminated soil, and
  water from the former Ricer Gas Station site. Located along a state route, this site has high potential for commercial use, attracting interest from developers once environmental hazards are addressed.
  
• Pike County Land Reutilization Corporation (Pike County)
  Project Name: Waverly Bi-Lo Redevelopment $244,000 Cleanup/Remediation
  This project will include soil and groundwater cleanup at a former gas station site. Upon completion,
  the site will be ready for commercial redevelopment.

• Vinton County Commissioners (Vinton County)
  Project Name: Hammond Hardware $256,787 Cleanup/Remediation
  The project includes utility clearance, underground storage tank removal, soil sampling, and soil and
  groundwater remediation on a vacant lot formerly occupied by a gas station. The cleanup will prepare the site for industrial development, one of the few available in Vinton County near U.S. 32, positioning it for redevelopment.

• Vinton County Commissioners (Vinton County)
  Project Name: Wilton School $306,321 Cleanup/Remediation
  This project involves the demolition of a dilapidated school building and environmental remediation
  to address any potential hazardous substances. The cleared property will be marketed for new
  commercial use, offering Vinton County a valuable redevelopment opportunity that aligns with local
  economic development goals.