You just caught that purple unicorn – now what? Ohio’s operating budget appropriates $500 million in grant funds for brownfield remediation and (commercial) building demolition

For many observers tracking the state budget bill, the General Assembly’s change in the name of the state’s development agency – reverting back to the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) – was breathtaking in and of itself. However, two new funding lines inserted into the measure (H.B. 110), representing $500 million in total grant funds available during state fiscal year (SFY) 2022, have lassoed the purple unicorn. That is, an answer now exists to the question, “how will Ohio fund clean-up and demolition of legacy commercial and industrial sites?” 

Grant Programs Available to Help Ohio Businesses

Millions of dollars remain available in four new grant programs that target businesses that have suffered significant losses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ohio Department of Development is administering the grants. To apply, businesses can visit the For Businesses section at InvestingInOhiosFuture.Ohio.Gov. The site includes documents for each grant program’s terms and conditions, fact sheet, and frequently asked questions.

Economic Development Department Director for Summit County, Ohio

The County of Summit Director of Community and Economic Development is responsible for overseeing the County’s Division of Economic Development, Division of Community Development, and Division of GIS and Planning. The Director reports directly to the Chief of Staff of the County Executive and oversees a staff of approximately 20 employees.

Ohio Launches Substantial Broadband Program to Serve Rural Markets

Even before the Work from Home movement was launched by COVID 19, the availability of broadband telecommunications network was an essential economic development tool. Access to digital services is reliant on a high-speed data services infrastructure. As the map below illustrates, rural communities throughout Ohio remain behind in the availability of broadband services.

New Industrial Spec Building in Tiffin Announced

Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership (TSEP) has announced plans for a speculative or “spec” industrial building on a 12-acre site on Maule Road in the Eagle Rock Business Park. A purchase agreement between the City of Tiffin and Development Solutions LLC has been drawn up, and sale is contingent upon approval by Tiffin City Council.