COLUMBUS — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development director Lydia Mihalik announced on Wednesday two grants for hazardous brownfield sites in Lawrence County.

$86.1 million in state support to help clean up and redevelop 81 hazardous brownfield sites in 46 counties.

The Ohio Department of Development is awarding the funding to clean up and redevelop sites through the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program, that was created by the DeWine-Husted Administration in 2021. 

The Lawrence County Port Authority was a recipient for the U.S. Bank Building. A total of  $427,000 is being awarded to address asbestos remediation in the historic First National Bank of Ironton. The second through sixth floors of the building, currently vacant, will be prepared for new economic uses while preserving its historical integrity. The project aims to create 20 jobs and retain 10 positions. 

The Port Authority also is receiving $97,560 for asbestos remediation in the Chesapeake Community Center, located in the old Chesapeake High School building. The structure, which dates to 1914, serves as a vital hub for community activities, but requires upgrades to ensure continued use.

The announcement was part of a statewide total of approximately $82.1 million for 65 cleanup/remediation projects and $4 million for 16 assessment projects. 

Since the launch of the program, the Department of Development has awarded $636 million to support 626 projects in 86 counties.