Press Room >> 2010 Press Releases

For Immediate Release
August 23, 2010

PATT-MCDANIEL APPROVES $189,000 IN AMERICAN RECOVERY AND
REINVESTMENT ACT FUNDS FOR BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Department of Development Director Lisa Patt-McDaniel today announced $189,000 in Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund grants to two Ohio projects through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Fairborn Performing Arts and Cultural Center and The Ohio State University each will receive grants for remediation and rehabilitation efforts to remove asbestos.

Last August, the State of Ohio received $1.8 million in funding through the Recovery Act from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for brownfield revitalization efforts. Up to $200,000 in funding is available to eligible nonprofit and local government entities for remediating asbestos in historic buildings, which contributes to the economic revitalization of communities, vibrant neighborhood centers, and the health and safety for occupants and visitors of these buildings.

"I am pleased to see these Brownfield Redevelopment projects, utilizing American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds, spur development and employment opportunities for Ohioans," Patt-McDaniel said. "We are putting contractors to work while making these historic structures safer for the public and allowing for new uses in the arts and education."

Fairborn Performing Arts and Cultural Center in Fairborn will receive $48,000 for asbestos remediation in the historic Fairborn Theatre. The Theatre, which opened in 1947, is located next to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2005. Upon completion of the $5.5 million project, the Fairborn Performing Arts and Cultural Center will be used for dance and music performances, cultural education, business community gatherings, and other public and private events. The project helps create and retain 14 full-time jobs.

The Ohio State University in Columbus will receive $141,000 for asbestos remediation in the historic Hayes Hall. The Hall, built in 1892, was formerly occupied by the Department of History of Art. The $1.2 million project will assist in the renovation of the facility to accommodate lab, classroom, and office space. The project helps create and retain 13 full-time jobs.

The Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund, administered by the Ohio Department of Development's Urban Development Division, offers below-market rate loans and sub-grants to assist with the remediation of a brownfield property to return it to a productive economic use in the community. Properties receiving assistance from the Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund must have been contaminated by hazardous substances.

Asbestos was incorporated into past building materials for its fire-retardant properties. It is now known to increase the risk of certain cancers and must be identified and removed by certified asbestos abatement professionals using specialized methods and equipment. Funding from this grant will be used to employ certified contractors and environmental specialists to safely abate the asbestos hazards.

For more information about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act or the Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund, please visit www.recovery.ohio.gov.

The Urban Development Division assists communities with place-based redevelopment, which creates wealth from personal, business, and community successes. The Urban Development Division works to identify the resources and financing necessary to enhance the economic viability of local communities.

Working with our partners across business, state and local governments, academia, and the nonprofit sector, the Ohio Department of Development works to attract, create, grow, and retain businesses through competitive incentives and targeted investments. Engaged every day in marketing, innovating, investing, and collaborating, the Ohio Department of Development works at the speed of business to accelerate and support the teamwork that is necessary for success by providing financial, informational, and technical assistance to those making an investment in Ohio's future.

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or the Communications & Marketing Office at (614) 466-26099