COLUMBUS, Ohio — As part of a statewide initiative to transform abandoned and hazardous properties into new opportunities for development, Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik recently announced $58.2 million in funding to clean up brownfield sites. Counties in South Central Ohio, including Ross, Vinton, Pike, Jackson, and Pickaway, are among the recipients, with several key local projects slated to benefit from this latest round of funding.

The Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program, launched in 2021, has awarded more than $560 million across 86 counties, supporting the cleanup and repurposing of formerly industrial or commercial sites that are now idle or potentially hazardous. This round includes $55.9 million for 46 cleanup projects and an additional $2.4 million for 15 assessment projects across 33 counties.

Funding for Local Projects in South Central Ohio

Ross County: Chillicothe Transit Parcel

In Ross County, the former CSX property adjacent to Chillicothe’s City Transit Station has been awarded $1 million for soil remediation and contamination removal. The cleaned-up site will be developed for residential and commercial use, including infrastructure for electric vehicle transportation. Future plans for the area include affordable workforce housing and facilities to support transit needs, aiming to enhance community resources in Chillicothe.

Vinton County: Hammond Hardware and Wilton School Sites

Vinton County will use state funds for two significant remediation projects:

  1. Hammond Hardware Site ($256,787) – This project will clean up a vacant lot formerly occupied by a gas station, including the removal of underground storage tanks and the remediation of soil and groundwater contaminants. Once remediated, the site will be positioned for industrial development along U.S. 32, one of the few potential commercial sites in the area.
  2. Wilton School Site ($306,321) – This project will address hazardous materials and demolish the deteriorating Wilton School building, making the property ready for new commercial use, in alignment with local economic development goals.

Pike County: Ricer Gas Station and Waverly Bi-Lo Redevelopment

Two Pike County locations will undergo cleanup and redevelopment, funded through the program:

  1. Ricer Gas Station ($119,659) – This project involves removing underground storage tanks and petroleum-contaminated soil from the site of a former gas station. Located along a state route, the site is intended for future commercial use, making it attractive to potential developers.
  2. Waverly Bi-Lo Redevelopment ($244,000) – The former gas station site in Waverly will be cleared of soil and groundwater contaminants, preparing it for commercial redevelopment and revitalization.

Jackson County: Historic and Industrial Sites

Jackson County has secured funding for the remediation of several sites with historical and economic significance:

  • Jackson County Courthouse ($39,412) – Asbestos abatement in the courthouse’s basement will enhance the safety and usability of this essential municipal building.
  • Jackson Precious Metals Site on Bennett Avenue ($290,272) – The former industrial site will undergo asbestos abatement and partial demolition, clearing the way for commercial redevelopment.
  • Jackson Municipal Building ($67,355) – Built in 1936, the municipal building will be remediated for asbestos and lead-based paint, supporting broader efforts to preserve and revitalize the community.
  • Former Dickason Bulk Fueling Site ($220,000) – This project will address soil and groundwater contamination, preparing the site for future commercial or industrial use.

Pickaway County: Pickaway ESC School

The Pickaway County Port Authority has been granted $250,000 to remove asbestos-containing materials from the Pickaway ESC School building. This remediation project will enable modernization efforts, including HVAC updates, creating a safer and more functional environment for students and faculty.

Statewide Benefits and Program Impact

The Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program, funded through the state’s current operating budget, was established to address environmental and public health hazards at sites that were once important economic hubs but have since fallen into disrepair. Each of Ohio’s 88 counties initially received at least $1 million, with additional funds awarded based on readiness and community need. The transformed properties are expected to attract new investments, create jobs, and provide safer, revitalized spaces for local residents.

The Brownfield Remediation Program is part of Ohio’s broader Ohio BUILDS Initiative, which targets quality-of-life improvements in areas such as water infrastructure, broadband access, brownfield cleanup, and the removal of blighted buildings. With these continued efforts, communities across South Central Ohio and the entire state can look forward to seeing these sites restored and repurposed for productive, safe use.

For more information on the Brownfield Remediation Program and specific projects in South Central Ohio, residents are encouraged to contact their local development offices or visit the Ohio Department of Development’s website.