Ohio Department of Development Director Lisa Patt-McDaniel has announced the first recipient of Ohio’s Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund grants through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
The Cleveland Public Theater project will receive a grant in the amount of $200,000 for remediation and rehabilitation efforts to remove asbestos from the facility.
The state received $1.8 million from the Recovery Act from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last year for brownfield revitalization. Eligible nonprofits and local government entities may receive up to $200,000 in ARRA funding to remediate asbestos in historic buildings, supporting economic revitalization and improved health and safety for building occupants.
ODOD says the Cleveland Public Theater project is central to the rebirth of the Gordon Square Arts District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is projected to impact Cuyahoga County with more than 300 permanent jobs and 400 construction jobs.
“The projects are vital to the urban revitalization of Cleveland, and these resources will not only help make these buildings safer and cleaner, but also create jobs, generate community reinvestment, and continue to strengthen the historic urban fabric of the city of Cleveland,” Patt-McDaniel said. “Brownfield redevelopment also contributes greatly to the environmental and economic sustainability of our communities.”
More information about the Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund may be found at www.recovery.ohio.gov.