Land Bank Leaders Hail New Brownfield Funding

Land Bank Chairman Daniel Yemma and Executive Director Debora Flora are cheering the recent approval of $350 million in state funds for brownfield remediation for use in 2024-25. 

“This funding will go a long way to helping Ohio spur new business activity at brownfield sites that are contaminated and very expensive to clean up,” said Yemma, who is also Mahoning Country treasurer. “The financial support for remediation projects is especially important for regions like ours, where brownfield sites are commonplace.” 

Flora added, “We are delighted by the extension of this considerable funding from the state. The Land Bank is working with local governments on a list of potential cleanup projects.”

Earlier this summer, Flora put out the call to Mahoning County’s four cities, six villages and 14 townships for remediation priorities. As lead applicant for the county, the Land Bank submitted an application for the state funds this fall. 

Previous funding from the state launched the major remediation project under way now at the former Royal China site in Sebring. A major cleanup planned for the 20 Federal Place building in downtown Youngstown also benefited from state funds.