State Representative Monica Robb-Blasdel (R-New Waterford) is encouraging eligible communities across Eastern Ohio to apply for newly available Technical Assistance Grants (TAGs) designed to support local brownfield redevelopment efforts, a news release states.

"This funding is a valuable opportunity for smaller and rural communities to move forward with long-needed redevelopment projects," Robb-Blasdel said. "I encourage local leaders to consider applying and take advantage of the technical support available through this program."

The grants have been made available through the U.S. EPA's Brownfields and Land Revitalization Program and coordinated by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. They will provide direct assistance to communities that may lack the resources or capacity to begin cleanup and redevelopment planning on their own.

TAGs are "intended to help communities assess, plan, and prepare for the revitalization of abandoned, vacant, or environmentally impacted properties," according to the release.

Eligible applicants include communities that have a population of 15,000 or fewer, are located in a rural area, or qualify as a disadvantaged area (with a median household income below 80% of the statewide median).

The grant amount is up to $20,000 per award, with only three Ohio communities selected. The deadline to express interest is Dec. 19, 2025.

TAG funds may be used for:

  • Creating or updating brownfield inventories
  • Developing redevelopment or reuse plans
  • Obtaining technical assistance for communities new to brownfield projects
  • Conducting market viability or redevelopment feasibility analyses

Communities interested in being considered can email Shelby Powell at shelby.powell@epa.ohio.gov with:

  • A brief description of the community and how it meets eligibility criteria
  • A summary of the proposed project
  • Expected outcomes and project timeline
  • A local letter of support endorsing the application