State of Ohio Assists The Landbank in Cleaning Up Hamilton County
For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Two Ohio Department of Development programs provide grants for the demolition of dilapidated buildings and the remediation of contaminated properties
Cincinnati, OH, August 28, 2024 – The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority (The Port) announced today that its managed entity, the Hamilton County Landbank, recently received more than 40 grants from two State of Ohio programs intended to revitalize Ohio communities, the “Building Demolition and Site Revitalization” program and the “Ohio Brownfield Remediation” program. The demolition grants will remove blighted buildings from neighborhoods and the remediation grants will remove contaminants from properties to make neighborhoods safer and the properties useful again.
Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted launched the Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program in 2021 to help communities demolish dilapidated commercial and residential buildings and revitalize surrounding properties to attract investment, businesses, and jobs. The Ohio Department of Development (ODOD), which runs the demolition and site revitalization program, awarded more than $67 million in funding this round for the demolition of blighted properties across the Buckeye state.
In Hamilton County, The Port received grants from the Building Demolition and Site Revitalization program totaling $25,432,516 million to demolish 41 properties (see map).
The ODOD, which also administers the state’s Brownfield Remediation program, awarded nearly $107 million for the cleanup and assessment of 61 properties throughout the state. The Port received $2,169,392 million for four projects in Hamilton County (see map).
The Hamilton County Landbank has been designated by law as the “Lead Entity” for both programs. In this role, the Landbank is responsible for collecting and submitting qualified projects on behalf of Hamilton County and serves as the administrator of program funds for eligible sub-recipients.
“It is so important for Hamilton County to be recognized and supported by the State of Ohio as it shows a shared commitment to strengthen our communities,” said Hamilton County Commission President Alicia Reece. “These grants will revitalize and improve our neighborhoods while paving the way for new investments and opportunities for our residents,” Reece continued.
“These grants are vital for us to clean up environmental contaminants and demolish some of the most blighted properties in Hamilton County,” said Philip Denning, executive vice president at The Port. “We’re grateful the state’s leadership recognizes the need to demolish blighted and neglected properties while leveraging new economic development opportunities to drive growth in our region,” Denning added.
In a news release issued by Governor DeWine’s office announcing these statewide grants, the Director of the Ohio Department of Development, Lydia Mihalik, said “These funds will empower our community leaders to create safe, vibrant spaces that attract investment and enhance the lives of Ohioans.”
The Port was formed in 2001 to stimulate growth of the regional economy. Partnering with the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, the Port works to redevelop manufacturing and residential communities to build the foundation of job creation and livable, viable communities where residents can experience economic prosperity. For additional information, please visit http://www.cincinnatiport.org.
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Media Contact:
Tom Millikin
Vice President, Communications & Marketing, The Port
513-543-1724
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