The first four rounds of the Clean Ohio Fund have created or retained 15,000 jobs, leveraged $119 million in conservation investments, protected 26,000 acres of family farms, and led to the construction of 200 miles of multi-purpose trails, according to a report released late last week.
The 2009 Clean Ohio Fund Report (PDF), released by the Ohio Department of Development, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio Public Works Commission and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, outlines the progress made through the program in the areas of brownfield revitalization, farmland preservation, green space conservation, and the construction and improvement of recreational trails.
According to the report:
- $200 million funded 174 brownfield projects
- $150 million funded 499 green space conservation projects
- $25 million funded 136 agricultural easements
- $25 million funded 97 trails projects
The Clean Ohio Fund was created in 2000 following voter approval of a $400 million bond issue.
In November 2008, Ohio voters approved Issue 2, authorizing the state to issue more than $400 million in bonds to continue the program as part of Governor Ted Strickland's $1.57 billion jobs stimulus plan.
In its first four funding cycles, the Clean Ohio Fund has funded 52 projects in Hamilton County, 17 in Butler County, 6 in Warren County, and 3 in Clermont County.
Previous reading on BC:
Capital account could be created for Providence North (11/3/09)
ODOD announces new Clean Ohio Fund enhancements, deadlines (1/5/09)
Harrison Terminal developers submit application for remediation funds (10/15/08)
Clean Ohio Fund unveils new website (10/15/08)
Cincinnati backs Boston Beer remediation money (8/13/08)
