On June 17, 2022, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced state support for 112 brownfield remediation projects that will help clean up contaminated properties in Ohio to make way for future economic development. Included in those 112 projects, is funding for the remediation of the former Wagner Manufacturing property, located at 440 Fair Road in Sidney.
Funding for the over $4 million project will come from multiple sources. The Shelby County Land Reutilization Corporation (Land Bank) was awarded $2,815,000 for the cleanup and remediation of the site through the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program, as was announced late last week. In addition, the city received a $1.0 million earmark in the 2021-2022 State of Ohio Capital Budget bill and has budgeted an additional $500,000 toward the site remediation. The Shelby County Commissioners have committed another $250,000 toward the project.
Remediation of the site includes demolition and removal of hazardous materials. After cleanup is complete, the site is intended to be redeveloped as a business incubator and co-working space.
A timeline for the required environmental studies, remediation and demolition work is currently being developed.
The Shelby County Land Bank foreclosed on property and took ownership in January 2022.
Congratulations to all involved who have worked to secure the necessary funding for this long-awaited project.