On Monday, April 24, 2017, the Ohio Controlling Board approved $300,000 in grants to three communities to clean up abandoned gas stations sites. The projects were evaluated based on the impact cleanup will have on the environment, the community, and the local economy.
“We’re helping transform blighted, high traffic corners into viable sites for development,” said David Goodman, director of the Ohio Development Services Agency. “We’re making what’s old, new again.”
Local communities and county land banks are eligible for the Abandoned Gas Station Cleanup Program. Communities can receive up to $500,000 for cleanup activities, including cleanup of hazardous substances, demolition, seeding and grading and up to $100,000 to determine the extent of the contamination at the property and costs associated with cleanup or remediation. To learn more, visit: https://development.ohio.gov/cs/cs_agsc.htm.
The projects receiving grants are:
Former Swift Gas Station (Pierpont, Ashtabula County), Grantee: Ashtabula County Port Authority, Grant Amount: $100,000,Address: 981 State Route 7 N, Pierpont.
The Port Authority will remove two underground storage tank systems, conduct a Tier 1 investigation, and complete a Remedial Action Plan. The Port Authority intends to market the property to small business owners interested in opening a business at this location.
Former West End Sunoco (Sandusky, Erie County), Grantee: City of Sandusky, Grant Amount: $100,000, Address: 1651 Tiffin Ave, Sandusky.
The city will remove at least one, but possibly two, additional underground storage tanks that were discovered during the initial tank removal. The city will also complete a Tier 1 investigation, and soil remediation in order to receive a “No Further Action” designation for the site. The city plans to market the property for redevelopment.
Former 18 Wheeler Truck Stop (Cecil, Paulding County), Grantee: Paulding County, Grant Amount: $100,000, Address: 18176 U.S. 127, Cecil.
The county will complete a Tier 1, and if necessary, a Tier 2 investigation, soil remediation or completion of a Remedial Action Plan. The property owner, DebBev, LLC, plans to use the property as a consignment auction facility
