COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. John Husted announced on Wednesday the demolition of 2,277 blighted structures across Ohio.
There are 42 counties with buildings involved in the plan.
The demolitions are part of the governor’s Ohio Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program which was created to aid local communities remove dilapidated buildings, commercial and residential, to attract investments, businesses and jobs.
“We’re not just tearing down dilapidated buildings, we’re helping to make communities across the state better places to start a business, raise a family, and build a bright future,” said DeWine. “This isn’t just a win for 42 counties, it’s a win for all of Ohio.”
These are besides the 825 demolition projects announced earlier this year.
“This funding is helping our communities transform forgotten properties into productive spaces that can once again play an important role in growing our economy,” said Husted.
The projects will be funded with the program’s grants, announced for each county in July, and 13 counties will receive additional funding totaling $35.3 million to cover expenses in excess of the initial set-aside grants.
(Courtesy Gov. Mike DeWine’s office)
The program will award nearly $150 million in grants. More details on demolition projects in additional counties will be available in the coming weeks, according to the news release.
Hamilton County was among the 42 counties and was approved for 57 projects and received more than $270,000 in funding. For a full list of the counties, click here.
The Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development. The grants are funded as part of the 2021 state biennium budget bill, House Bill 110, which requires grants to be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
“Looking at the plans that some of our communities have for these sites, it’s clear there are numerous opportunities for growth,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “Removing this blight has the potential to increase property values and revitalize local housing markets in addition to removing safety hazards and opening doors for more businesses to set up shop throughout the state.”
