New program to help revitalize Ohio communities with demolition of blighted buildings
Published by John on
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted announced on Tuesday a new grant program to help revitalize local communities through the demolition of blighted and vacant buildings.
The newly-created Ohio Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program will provide nearly $150 million in grants to raze dilapidated and residential buildings and revitalize surrounding properties.
“There are dangerous, blighted buildings all over Ohio that are nothing more than eyesores that restrict new development,” DeWine said. “We want our local communities to thrive, and through this new grant program, we will help all 88 counties tear down dilapidated structures to make room for future growth.”
The program was approved by Ohio lawmakers and will be administered by the Ohio Department of Development.
Funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure that all of Ohio’s 88 counties benefit from the program, each county will be eligible to receive a minimum of $500,000.
Commercial and residential buildings on sites that are not brownfields are eligible for funding. Counties must designate one lead entity to apply for grant funds on behalf of the county. In counties where a county land reutilization corporation has been established, it shall be the lead entity for that county. Other application details are available in the program guidelines.
