Ohio Demolition & Revitalization Construction: What’s Getting Funding & How Contractors Can Benefit

Photo of building being demolished for the Ohio Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program with Ohio state label, illustration, and a dollar sign iconPhoto of building being demolished for the Ohio Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program with Ohio state label, illustration, and a dollar sign icon

With the announcement of its new budget for 2022-2023, Ohio is taking a huge step forward with state-funded development and infrastructure buildup. Governor Mike DeWine has approved a staggering $3.5 billion in funding for community projects across the state both in the public and private sectors, including the new Ohio Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program.

A large amount of that funding is set to be allocated to individual counties and state agencies, meaning that keeping an eye on what opportunities are headed where can help contractors who are hoping to maximize their opportunities.

Demolition and site revitalization at the heart of improvements and funding

$500 million of the newly-announced funding is for various development programs, including the aforementioned Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program. This program will include $150 million for the demolition of vacant or abandoned commercial or residential buildings, with all 88 counties being eligible for grants to pursue demolition projects. The first round of funding ended up with $42.1 million in allocations to 87 of the state’s 88 counties, with the rest to be released on a “first-come, first-served” basis.

As law firm Tucker Ellis LLP observed, the state of Ohio’s 2022-2023 budget dedicates a historical amount for brownfield funding — alongside the $150 million intended for demolition projects, the budget further allocates $350 million total for the investigation, cleanup, and revitalization of other brownfield sites.

A number of contractors are already taking advantage of the situation and advertising their availability for demolition projects.

Public and private projects receiving funding

The budget also includes allocations for a number of public works opportunities that could beneficial to contractors in the state:

  • $515 million for state parks, focused on forest and wildlife conservation projects, new cabin construction, campground improvements, and upgrades at nature centers and historic sites
  • $300 million for a new water reclamation facility
  • $110 million for state road improvements
  • $100 million for water and sewer capacity improvements
  • $95 million for local road improvements
  • $72 million for a new Ohio Department of Agriculture animal disease diagnostic testing facility
  • State funding isn’t only going to be directed to public works projects, as private entity Intel is likely going to receive around $1.1 billion from the budget in order to fund major new construction projects in the state. 

    See Intel’s Ohio Semiconductor Factories: Project Guide for Subcontractors

    “Ohio is going to be benefitted in many ways,” DeWine said of the state’s intended support of the company. “Intel tells us they have Ohio residents who work at Intel and they’re dying to come back…There will be a number of Ohioans who will be hired.”

    Ohio grant funding: How to apply & important contacts

    Clean Ohio Program

    The Clean Ohio program — which has served as a funding source mainly focused on environmental improvements, specifically — will continue to operate alongside the newer programs, though on a smaller basis.

    Entities can apply for Clean Ohio grants via the state’s public works agency.

    Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program

    It’s important for contractors to note that funding for this program is going to be claimed individually by county officials, making understanding of county needs and communication with county officials a must for any contractor hoping to take on local demolition needs in the state.

    Though it isn’t required during the process for applying for further funding from the Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program, counties may also optionally look to establish a subrecipient agreement with contractors prior to submitting an application (and thus prior to funding being awarded), reinforcing the importance of up-front communication.

    You can view the Ohio Department of Development’s guidelines for the Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program here.

    Any questions related to the Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program can be directed to Ohio’s Development Public Information Officer Megan Nagy at megan.nagy@development.ohio.gov. 

    Questions about any of the individual grants can be directed to the entity receiving the funding. If you’re wondering how much funding your county has been allotted in the first round of distribution, see a complete list here.

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