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Two programs in place now make the clean up of contaminated industrial sites, known as brownfields, viable and less risky.

"Developing brownfield sites is not only an important component in revitalizing downtowns, or surrounding urban areas, but focusing development within urban boundaries is essential for protecting agricultural lands and wildlife areas," said OFBF Director of Community Alliances Marilyn Baker. "Urban redevelopment allows for a county's population growth and urban economic vitality while preserving important lands for agriculture and open space."

The Clean Ohio Fund was proposed by Gov. Taft and approved by voters in November 2000. Of the $400 million in the fund, $150 million is set aside for conservation projects, $25 million for recreational trails, $25 million for farmland preservation and $200 million for cleanup of contaminated properties. The other program was initiated by Former Gov. George Voinovich. initiated the Voluntary Action Program, which provides clean-up standards that can be used when someone wants to voluntarily investigate, and if necessary, clean up a property. Prior to the Voluntary Action Program, no one could undertake a cleanup project and be assured it would meet environmental standards without direct oversight from Ohio EPA.

Participants in OFBF's NeighborConnection Bus Tour saw first-hand the relationship between successful brownfield redevelopment and farmland preservation. The Nationwide Arena District, Miranova corporate and residential towers and Lennox Shopping Center in Columbus all are developed on former industrial sites where the land was cleaned up and new buildings built or old ones renovated into these new living and business centers. The Arena District to the north, Miranova to the south and the completion of COSI on the Scioto River, launched Columbus' downtown riverfront into a thriving new area.

Another success story is the Smith Brothers Hardware Building in Columbus. It was a warehouse facility from 1926 until it was abandoned in 1981. The property was purchased in 1997 and in 2000, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency declared the building met clean-up standards. It now houses office space.

In mid-July, Gov. Taft announced 16 new projects that will receive funding for brownfield clean up from the Clean Ohio Fund, which will allow re-use of idle commercial and industrial property. Redevelopment of brownfields is often inhibited because potential developers fear liability and large clean-up costs. The Clean Ohio Fund recognizes the economic development potential of these properties, especially in areas where the loss of manufacturing employment has caused economic hardship.

Following are the 16 sites that will receive funding for brownfield clean up: Former GHR Foundry, Dayton; Jeffrey Place, Columbus; Youth Intervention Center, Cleveland; American Tissue Mills, Lockland; Middlebury Grocery, Akron; Arena Project, Toledo; Southern Ohio Port Authority, New Boston; Mosler Safe Facility, Hamilton; Midtown Technology Center, Cleveland; Lakeview Bluffs, Lake County; Marina Project, Toledo; Former D&H Manufacturing, Springfield; 421 Main Street, Wellsville; Port of Cincinnati, Cincinnati; Hemisphere Industrial Park, Cleveland; Beech Street Power Plant, Akron.

The Clean Ohio Council was created to administer the fund, and its members represent the interests of counties, townships, municipal corporations, business and development entities and statewide environmental advocacy organizations. The members were appointed by Taft and legislative leaders. State Development Director Bruce Johnson serves as chair of the council. Communities may apply for 2003 Clean Ohio funds beginning in October 2002, with distribution expected for 2003.