Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted have announced the launch of a new grant program that will provide nearly $150 million in grants to raze dilapidated commercial and residential buildings and, ideally, revitalize surrounding properties.
The new Ohio Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program is part of the DeWine-Husted Administration’s “strategic efforts to invest in Ohio’s future,” according to a press release from the governor’s office.
“There are dangerous, blighted buildings all over Ohio that are nothing more than eyesores that restrict new development,” say DeWine. "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 Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program was created with the support of the Ohio General Assembly, which funded the program as part of the 2021 state biennium budget bill, House Bill 110. The program is being administered by the Ohio Department of Development.
“We’re attracting companies to Ohio because of our low taxes and excellent business climate, but they need sites to set up shop,” says Husted. “Remediating these properties turns the blight into new opportunities to attract investment, business and jobs.”
“Abandoned and blighted buildings are often hazards in our communities,” comments Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “By removing them, we make way for new growth and economic development throughout Ohio.”
As required by House Bill 110, funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. To help 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 will serve as the lead entity for that county.
The Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program is part of Governor DeWine's Ohio BUILDS Initiative designed to focus on water infrastructure improvements, broadband expansion, brownfield redevelopment the demolition of blighted buildings and other infrastructure-related aspects.
More information on the new Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program can be found on
this web page.