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Press Room >> 2009 Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2009
 

 

 GOVERNOR, BARBASH ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $550,000
IN CLEAN OHIO GRANTS TO COMMUNITIES
 

COLUMBUS – Governor Ted Strickland and Ohio Department of Development Interim Director Mark Barbash today announced that more than $550,000 in Clean Ohio Assistance Fund grants were approved by the State Controlling Board for Hamilton County and the Ironton Port Authority.  Clean Ohio Assistance Fund grants are awarded to aid in brownfield redevelopment of Ohio’s urban areas.

“We are proud to offer support through the Clean Ohio Fund to these two communities to help increase opportunities for economic development by cleaning up brownfield sites,” said Barbash. “The grants are an excellent resource to help revitalize Ohio’s physical assets and improve the quality of life for all Ohioans.”

Hamilton County will receive a $277,880 Clean Ohio Assistance Fund grant to conduct a Phase II Environmental Assessment on the Camp Washington, Hamilton County Redevelopment project in Cincinnati.  The project property is located at 3241 Spring Grove Avenue.  The Phase II work will include the installation of 12 monitoring wells, 30 soil borings, and eight hand augers, in addition to an asbestos survey, data evaluation, modeling, and report preparation.  The assessment will determine the environmental suitability of the property and the possible need for any remediation.

The Ironton Port Authority (Lawrence County) will receive a $279,962 Clean Ohio Assistance Fund grant to conduct a Phase II Environmental Assessment on the Ironton Riverfront.  The project property is located at 101 Center Street.  The Phase II work will include the installation of 15 monitoring wells, 64 shallow soil borings, and 20 deep soil borings, in addition to data evaluation, modeling, and report preparation.  The assessment will determine the environmental suitability of the property and the possible need for any remediation.

The Clean Ohio Assistance Fund is a program of the Clean Ohio Fund, which restores, protects, and connects Ohio's important natural and urban places by preserving green space and farmland, improving outdoor recreation, and by cleaning up brownfields to encourage redevelopment and revitalize communities. The Clean Ohio Fund is part of the $1.57 billion Ohio Bipartisan Job Stimulus Plan, which aims to create new jobs while laying the foundation for future economic prosperity. In the Job Stimulus Plan $400 million was set aside for the Clean Ohio Fund.

The Clean Ohio Assistance Fund is an open cycle program that provides grant dollars for Phase II Environmental Assessment and Brownfield Cleanup/Public Health Projects. To date, 121 Clean Ohio Assistance Fund projects have been awarded totaling $45.4 million. Of the 121 projects, 40 were for cleanup projects which leveraged more than $400 million and are expected to create more than 4,000 jobs.  For more information on about the Clean Ohio Assistance Fund visit
 
 www.clean.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 non-profit 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 absolutely necessary for success by providing financial, informational, and technical assistance to those making an investment in Ohio’s future. 

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Media contacts: Eileen Turner at (614) 728-6674
or the Communications & Marketing Office at 614.466.2609