County nabs grant

NORWALK — State officials on Wednesday announced awarding a total of $86.1 million to help clean up and redevelop 81 hazardous brownfield sites in 46 counties, including one site in Huron County. The state governor's office and the Ohio Department of Development awarded $464,870 to the Huron County Land Reutilization Corporation, also known as the county land bank, for cleanup and remediation of the building at 130 Shady Lane Drive. Brownfield sites are previously-developed land that has been abandoned or underutilized, and which may carry pollution or a risk of pollution, from industrial, commercial and institutional uses. According to state officials, the Huron County project involves asbestos abatement and demolition of an obsolete institutional building within the Shady Lane Complex in Norwalk. The demolition will remove safety hazards and environmental concerns, preparing the site for future redevelopment to support county operations. Norwalk Zoning Inspector Mitch Loughton said he was happy about getting the grant. "Yes, the Huron County Land Bank was optimistically expecting to receive this grant. We just did not know when the state might be announcing it," Loughton said. "The Land Bank is very excited and grateful that we have been approved for this grant for this property and are looking forward to getting a contract from the state, which has not happened yet but will be the next step in the process." Loughton also said the project includes cleanup of the Senior Enrichment Services building, which will no longer be needed once the new Senior Center is completed. It also includes the former Bureau of Motor Vehicles Office. "The grant is for the remediation and eventual demolition of the building," Loughton said. "The Huron County Dog Warden will be staying in their current building and this grant does not cover or affect that part of the property." Judy Lykins, Huron County Land Bank Coordinator, said she too was excited to get the grant. "This project involves asbestos abatement and demolition of an obsolete institutional building within the Shady Lane Complex in Norwalk," Lykins said. "The demolition will remove safety hazards and environmental concerns, preparing the site for future redevelopment to support county operations." She also said, "Programs like these tremendously help smaller rural counties by providing funds to clean up sites and allow for future growth." 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. Wednesday's announcement includes approximately $82.1 million for 65 cleanup/remediation projects and $4 million for 16 assessment projects. Since the launch of the program, the Department of Development has awarded $636 million to support 626 projects in 86 counties. Funds awarded Wednesday 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. The Ohio General Assembly is funding the 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. Other projects of note to receive funding were: Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corp The Centennial, $10,000,000 Cleanup/ Remediation • This project involves asbestos removal, lead-based paint remediation, and soil gas mitigation at the historic Centennial Building in downtown Cleveland. Plans include adaptive reuse of the 1.4 million-square-foot property into workforce housing, offices, and retail spaces. The project will create 350 permanent jobs and support more than 3,200 construction jobs. Delaware County Land Reutilization Corporation 50 Channing Street Redevelopment, $921,438 Cleanup/Remediation • This project involves asbestos abatement, lead paint removal, and demolition of three structures at the former Delaware County Engineers' property. The site will be redeveloped into 44 affordable rental apartments and eight single-family homes with sustainable features and public utilities installed. The project will enhance community housing options and create new recreational spaces. Hamilton County Land Reutilization Corporation West Fork Incinerator, $5,052,818 Cleanup/Remediation • This project involves the demolition and abatement of a decommissioned incinerator with significant asbestos, lead-based paint, and hazardous materials contamination. The site will be redeveloped as part of the Mill Creek Greenway, supporting Cincinnati's CROWN master plan for a 100+ mile multi-use trail network. The redevelopment will enhance access to recreation and transportation for nearby communities. Southeastern Ohio Port Authority (Washington County) Belpre Medical Campus - Toll Compaction Demolition $1,594,764 Cleanup/ Remediation • This project involves the demolition and removal of a 74,592-square-foot industrial building, along with the remediation of stained soils in accordance with Voluntary Action Program standards. The property, historically used for manufacturing and chemical storage, will be transformed into a women's and children's hospital, housing pediatric and obstetric services. The redevelopment will create 50 new jobs and retain 200 existing positions. The Brownfield Remediation Program is part of Governor Mike DeWine's Ohio BUILDS Initiative, which focuses on supporting targeted solutions that impact quality of life, such as water infrastructure improvements, broadband expansion, brownfield redevelopment, and the demolition of blighted buildings.