Brown County Selected for Brownfield Remediation Grant Program

COLUMBUS - Last week, Brown County secured over $61,000 to remediate three vacant buildings through the newly launched Ohio Brownfield Remediation Grant Program. 

“The Brownfield Remediation Grant Program was a focus of last year’s budget discussions and I’m proud to have supported it,” said State Representative Adam Bird (R-New Richmond). “This program will help prepare Brown County for further development, bringing new opportunities to the area.” 

The news comes in the wake of an announcement from Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor John Husted where they released the first round of grants from the program. A total of 78 grants were awarded to counties and projects, resulting in a $60 million investment to remediate brownfields across Ohio. 

The three Brown County buildings planned for remediation include a former high school and police department. Assessment activities include an asbestos and pre-demolition survey of all three buildings. After completion, the Village of Aberdeen plans to demolish the deteriorating buildings and prepare the site for redevelopment.

The Brownfield Remediation program was created during last year’s state operating budget, which passed in the General Assembly and was signed into law. The legislation included a total of $350 million for brownfield remediation.