Speaker Cupp Announces Nearly $1 Million for Local Community Revitalization

The Allen County Port Authority will receive nearly $1 million in state funding to help revitalize a pair of old industrial sites in the community of Bath Township.

The aid is part of $60 million in grants across Ohio announced today by Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted. Lawmakers included $350 million in the state budget last year for brownfield remediation.

House Speaker Bob Cupp (R-Lima) said revitalizing old industrial sites benefits the community and economy.

“Remediating brownfields can revitalize neighborhoods and communities. That’s an investment worth making. This is something that is critically important in Allen County and across Ohio,” Cupp said. “Brownfield remediation can have a positive, lasting impact, which is why we felt it was important to make a substantial investment. Today’s announcement is good news for Allen County and an important step forward not only for our community but for communities across Ohio.”

The two Allen County projects receiving state support are:

•              Lima East Development – $710,000 for cleanup/remediation. Constructed in 1959, this 62,000 square foot building served as the Allen County Home until 1993 and later as a health facility. The building has been vacant since 2010 and subject to vandalization. Brownfield Remediation Program funds will allow for asbestos abatement and demolition and the debris will be hauled away to an EPA-approved facility. The property is in close proximity to major transportation, education institutions and large employers, and is ideal for redevelopment in Lima.

•              Green and Sawyer - $200,000 for assessment. This property consists of two parcels that make up more than 50 acres in Allen County. The site was once the home of the Republic Creosote Company and Reilly Tar and Chemical operations. The wood preserving facility pressure-treated wood using creosote oil and used the wood as railroad ties, pilings, and telephone poles. The property has been an unused, underutilized brownfield since operation ceased in the 1970s. Existing buildings are being used as office space and storage for utility poles and a construction company, but the majority of property is unused. Assessment work will include an asbestos survey, lead based paint survey, geophysical survey activities, soil boring and monitoring wells, soil, and groundwater samples.