Blessing Announces Funding for Economic Development throughout Hamilton County

COLUMBUS— State Senator Louis W. Blessing, III (R-Colerain Township) announced the state will invest $11.9 million for brownfield remediation projects in Hamilton County.

"This funding will support turning properties in need of clean-up into rich parts of our county's growth and development," Blessing said. "I am glad many of these projects will contribute to our housing needs, new jobs and businesses, and recreation opportunities for residents."

Projects include:

2001-2009 Auburn Ave: $580,952 for asbestos abatement, demolition of two vacant commercial buildings, and soil excavation to turn the site into a seven-story mixed-use building with housing, commerce, and a parking garage.

Burnet Avenue, Blocks 1A and 2: $1,806,732 for soil and groundwater remediation to address contaminants. The site will become a mixed-use redevelopment, including housing, retail, office spaces, and green spaces, creating 500 new jobs.

West Fork Incinerator: $5,052,818 for the demolition and abatement of a decommissioned incinerator with significant asbestos, lead-based paint, and hazardous materials contamination. The site will be redeveloped as part of the Mill Creek Greenway, supporting Cincinnati's CROWN master plan for a 100+ mile multi-use trail network. 

4500 Beech Street, LLC Former US Printing Building: $1,801,600 for hazardous waste removal, asbestos abatement, and underground storage tank removal at a former printing facility in Norwood. The location will become part of the Factory 52 mixed-use project, contributing to more than $250 million in economic investment for the region.

Section Avenue on the Lateral: $2,668,000 for remediation efforts at the former American Laundry Machine Company site in Norwood for future development.

This funding is part of the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program that is currently funded through House Bill 33, the state's main operating budget, which Blessing supported. This program aims to help clean up industrial, commercial, and institutional brownfield sites. The grant program launched in 2021 and since then has awarded more than $636 million to support 626 projects in 86 counties. 

Learn more about the program and the communities receiving funding here.