Grant-Funded Brownfield Assistance
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations seeking free environmental assessments and technical guidance for brownfield property cleanup and redevelopment in Ohio. Eligible applicants include local government entities (counties, cities, villages, townships), quasi-government entities (port authorities, county land banks), and nonprofit organizations. The program provides Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments, asbestos surveys, lead-based paint surveys, and expert guidance on navigating Ohio's Voluntary Action Program at no cost. Projects must involve brownfield properties requiring evaluation and planning for cleanup and redevelopment.
This grant is for organizations seeking free environmental assessments and technical guidance for brownfield property cleanup and redevelopment in Ohio. Eligible applicants include local government entities (counties, cities, villages, townships), quasi-government entities (port authorities, county land banks), and nonprofit organizations. The program provides Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments, asbestos surveys, lead-based paint surveys, and expert guidance on navigating Ohio's Voluntary Action Program at no cost. Projects must involve brownfield properties requiring evaluation and planning for cleanup and redevelopment.
Program description
Ohio Brownfields, within Ohio EPA, administers two brownfield assistance programs: Targeted Brownfield Assessment (TBA) and Technical Assistance. These programs support eligible entities in evaluating and planning the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfield properties. Capitalized by grants from U.S. EPA, services are provided at no cost and include environmental assessments (i.e., Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments, asbestos surveys, and lead-based paint surveys) and expert guidance for community-driven projects. Guidance provided through the Technical Assistance program assists eligible applicants with navigating the Voluntary Action Program (VAP). Eligible applicants include local government entities such as counties, cities, villages, and townships; quasi-government entities such as port authorities and county land banks; and non-profit entities. Upon submission, applications are reviewed by Ohio EPA for completeness and eligibility. Once approved, the project is sent to State-Contracted environmental professionals for a 10-day bidding period. After a contractor is selected, they are connected with the applicant. The agency may then convene a kickoff meeting with key stakeholders (e.g. the applicant, property owner, environmental consultants, and potential developers) to define project goals, timelines, and expectations. The selected contractor will then conduct the assessments at no cost to the applicant. Final reports are delivered electronically to the applicant and can be used to support future redevelopment planning or funding applications.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for organizations seeking free environmental assessments and technical guidance for brownfield property cleanup and redevelopment in Ohio. Eligible applicants include local government entities (counties, cities, villages, townships), quasi-government entities (port authorities, county land banks), and nonprofit organizations. The program provides Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments, asbestos surveys, lead-based paint surveys, and expert guidance on navigating Ohio's Voluntary Action Program at no cost. Projects must involve brownfield properties requiring evaluation and planning for cleanup and redevelopment.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Completed application form
- Property identification and location documentation
- Description of property history and current condition
- Statement of cleanup/redevelopment goals
- Property owner authorization or letter of support
Program contact
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Local governments (counties, cities, villages, townships), quasi-government entities (port authorities, land banks), and nonprofits can apply. All must have a brownfield property they want to evaluate or redevelop.
What does the program cover?
The program covers Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments, asbestos surveys, lead-based paint surveys, and technical guidance. All services are provided at no cost.
How is a contractor selected?
Once Ohio EPA approves your application, it goes to state-contracted environmental professionals for a 10-day bidding period. The selected contractor then works directly with you.
What happens after assessments are completed?
Final reports are delivered electronically to your organization. You can use these reports to support redevelopment planning or apply for additional funding.
Is there a cost to participate?
No. All environmental assessments and technical assistance are provided at no cost to eligible applicants.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start by documenting your brownfield property's location, current use, and cleanup/redevelopment goals clearly in your application.
- Identify all key stakeholders early (property owners, potential developers, community members) and involve them in defining project scope.
- Prepare a preliminary timeline for your cleanup and redevelopment plans, even if rough. This helps contractors understand your expectations.
- If navigating Ohio's Voluntary Action Program, highlight this in your application to access relevant technical guidance resources.
- Keep detailed records of all correspondence and reports from contractors for future funding applications or regulatory compliance.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting incomplete applications without clear property identification or cleanup goals. Applying for properties that don't meet brownfield definitions (e.g., properties with ongoing contamination sources). Failing to involve property owners or other key stakeholders in the application and planning process.
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