The state of Ohio recently approved the FY24-25 state operating budget, which allocates $500 million for brownfield remediation and demolitions over two years. The Brownfield Remediation program provides $350 million ($175 million per year) for communities to assess and clean up environmentally contaminated sites to prepare them for future economic development. Each year, $1 million will be set aside for each of Ohio’s 88 counties, while $87 million will be available for competitive grants to be awarded to jurisdictions on a first-come, first-served basis.
“This is a welcome development and ensures that the work begun two years ago to revitalize blighted brownfield sites across Ohio can continue for the next two years,” according to a statement from the Greater Ohio Policy Center.
One notable rule change will see the Montgomery County Land Bank serve as the lead applicant responsible for submitting funding applications. The Department of Development will soon issue additional rules and timelines.
The Demolition and Site Revitalization program was also renewed at $150 million over two years. The program provides grants for the demolition of blighted, vacant or abandoned commercial and residential buildings and the revitalization of surrounding properties.
DOD is expected to update timelines and rules, although the Land Bank will remain the lead applicant for Montgomery County jurisdictions.
