The Ohio Department of Development has released guidelines for the Brownfield Remediation Program and Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program that outline eligibility for grant funding to remediate brownfields and demolish and revitalize non-brownfield properties throughout Ohio. Under the new Brownfield Remediation Program, brownfield remediation can include the acquisition of a brownfield, demolition performed at a brownfield, and/or minimally upgrading infrastructure or installing infrastructure deemed necessary for a brownfield to become operational for economic development activities.
For the Brownfield Remediation Program, approximately $350 million in funds are available with $1 million guaranteed for every county in Ohio. The remaining funds will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Funds will be allocated in three rounds:
- Round 1 is open now thru January 21, 2022
- Round 2 is open from March 1, 2022 thru April 30, 2022
- Round 3 is open between July 1, 2022 and September 30, 2022
Who is Eligible?
For the Brownfield Remediation Program, an eligible applicant must be an “unit of local government” such as a county, township, municipal corporation, port authority, conservancy district, park district, or similar authority. However, county land reutilization corporations, nonprofit organization, and for-profit organizations are eligible if an agreement is entered with one of the units of local government previously listed. For the Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program, a “Lead Entity” must be established in each county. The Lead Entity will administer grant funds.
What Type of Properties are Eligible?
For the Brownfield Remediation Program, properties that meet the definition of a brownfield are eligible: an abandoned, idled, or under-used industrial, commercial, or institutional property where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by known or potential releases of hazardous substances or petroleum. Additionally, if a building or structure contains documented asbestos then the property is also eligible. If the property is eligible for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s Voluntary Action Program the grant funding should be used to obtain a Covenant-Not-To-Sue. For the Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program, commercial and residential properties that are vacant or blighted and are not brownfields are eligible for grant funding.
TTL is highly experienced with brownfield redevelopment projects including the Voluntary Action Program. TTL can also assist in environmental assessments for the Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program. If you have a project that is eligible for either of the new programs or would like to discuss the eligibility of a property, contact Nathan Fela at