UPDATE | More than $12M awarded for brownfield remediation projects in Mahoning, Trumbull counties
Nine projects in Mahoning and Trumbull counties will receive more than $12.4 million from the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program to help clean up contaminated properties.
The Mahoning County Land Reutilization Corporation was awarded $6.9 million for the cleanup and remediation of the 20 W. Federal St. property in Youngstown that once was the flagship location of the Strouss department store chain.
The city of Youngstown, which now owns the property, is working to redevelop the building. Remediation efforts will include the abatement of asbestos and removal of hazardous materials, as well as interior demolition, according to a news release.
“The Brownfield Remediation Program plays a critical role to activate the redevelopment of the 20 Federal Building by supporting the demolition, asbestos, and hazardous materials removal. Our next step is to work with the Department of Development/State of Ohio to understand timelines and guidelines associated with funds,” Youngstown Mayor Jamael Tito Brown said in a statement.
The Trumbull County Land Reutilization Corporation was awarded $1.7 million for the cleanup and remediation of the site of the former General Electric plant in Niles. Cleveland Steel Container Corp. is currently using the site for dry storage and operations, according to the release. After cleanup, which will include contaminated soil remediation and groundwater remediation, the company plans to purchase the property and construct a new building.
“These important projects are going to help revamp and revitalize parts of our communities through cleanup and public works that will enhance future development in Trumbull County,” state Rep. Mike Loychik of Bazetta, R-63rd, said in a separate news release.
A full list of projects in Mahoning and Trumbull counties that were awarded grants can be found here.
Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted announced Friday that a total of $192 million has been awarded to 112 brownfield remediation projects throughout the state.
“These properties are vital spaces in our communities, ones that are not only being wasted in their current capacity, but oftentimes are a danger to their local communities,” DeWine said in a news release. “Today, we’re reclaiming these spaces for the future of our residents, businesses and communities.”
The grants include about $187.8 million for 79 cleanup projects and $4.5 million for 33 assessment projects, according to the release.
In April, $60 million in Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program grants were awarded to projects throughout the state, including $4.6 million for projects in Columbiana and Trumbull counties. More than $3.4 million was awarded to the Trumbull County Land Reutilization Corporation to clean up St. Joseph Riverside Hospital in Warren — including petroleum or other underground hazards — and demolish the long-abandoned property.
This story was originally published June 17, 2022 at 5:01 PM.