On Tuesday, House Bill 143 (HB143) and Senate Bill 84 (SB84) were introduced in the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate by Representative Brett Hudson Hillyer (R – Uhrichsville) and Senators Sandra Williams (D – Cleveland) and Michael Rulli (R – Salem). These bills provide dedicated funding to the Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund (CORF).
CORF was a highly successful program which, between 2002 and 2013, provided state funding to revitalize brownfields, and in turn, provided the state with a four-to-one economic return. CORF is recognized as a community-responsive tool for brownfield redevelopment efforts. Therefore, public and private stakeholders agree that providing CORF with a dedicated funding source is the most logical solution to addressing the brownfield remediation need in Ohio’s communities.
CORF is designed to be flexible, sustainable, and complementary to existing environmental remediation programs at the state and federal levels – and fills a necessary gap in brownfields funding. At a time when the state of Ohio is facing economic uncertainty as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, HB143 and SB84 represent legislation which can restart economic development across Ohio, creating jobs, revitalizing our downtowns, and boosting the economy. At a time when businesses seek to re-shore, Ohio must remain competitive in the attraction of these businesses.
"Providing a dedicated funding source for CORF will assist Ohio’s communities in addressing their brownfields, and lead to economic prosperity for the state. Putting these sites into productive use will lead to new economic activity, create jobs, and place Ohio at a competitive advantage. I look forward to working with my colleagues in this effort." Representative Brett Hillyer (98th Ohio House District)
“Ohio has a number of abandoned and unaddressed brownfield spaces. Many of which are a barrier between neighborhoods—stifling economic investment, blemishing the beauty of our communities, and contributing to dangerous environmental injustices. This bipartisan legislation is a multi-step approach to show that Ohio is serious and ready to clean up and reuse brownfields to create environmental, economic, and social benefits for our communities. I look forward to working with Senator Rulli and our colleagues to pass this legislation.” Senator Sandra Williams (21st Ohio Senate District)
“A bipartisan approach is essential in our efforts to improve economic development in places hindered by abandoned industrial sites in both urban and rural communities across Ohio. I look forward to working with Senator Williams on this important legislation to provide communities the resources they need to address brownfield sites.” Senator Michael Rulli (33rd Ohio Senate District)
GOPC thanks Rep. Hillyer, Sen. Williams, and Sen. Rulli, and looks forward to working to see this legislation bringing about needed brownfield redevelopment in Ohio.