Dublin-area property owners, developers and local governments have until Sept. 11 to apply for a share of $120 million in state grants that fund cleanup of contaminated sites, demolition and basic infrastructure at brownfield properties.

The Ohio Department of Development's application portal opens at 10 a.m. on Aug. 11, and closes at 5 p.m. on Sept. 11. It is the largest single funding round since the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program launched in 2021.

The Delaware County Land Bank, which has helped secure nearly $2.9 million in brownfield and demolition grants for local projects since the program began, is offering free application help to anyone in the county. Applicants do not have to go through the Land Bank, but the agency and its expert partners will assist at no cost, according to a Delaware County government announcement posted July 30.

"This is a very short window of opportunity this year, so anyone interested in applying should not delay," Delaware County Commissioner Jeff Benton, who chairs the Land Bank, said in that July 30 announcement.

What qualifies

Eligible uses include cleanup of hazardous substances or petroleum at industrial, commercial or institutional properties; acquisition of a brownfield site; demolition; and installation or upgrade of minimum infrastructure needed to make a site operational for economic development. Local governments, nonprofits and private developers may all apply.

Entities that caused a property's contamination are not eligible.

Local track record

In August 2024, the Land Bank received a $400,000 grant for a site at 7775 Dublin Road, a former convenience store with underground fuel tanks. The property is being redeveloped as a coffee shop and charcuterie prep kitchen run by a women-owned small business, projected to create six new jobs and retain eight existing positions, according to state award records.

Statewide, the program has awarded nearly $800 million across 904 projects in 87 of Ohio's 88 counties. This round was funded through House Bill 96, the most recent biennium budget, which allocated $200 million total to the program.

How to apply

An informational webinar was held Aug. 4; the Ohio Department of Development's program page lists additional guidance. Interested applicants can contact Commissioner Benton at [email protected] for free Land Bank assistance.

The deadline is 5 p.m. Sept. 11.