Oelslager Announces Nearly $1.3 Million for Brownfield Remediation Project

COLUMBUS - Recently, the second round of Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program grants were released by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor John Husted. State Representative Scott Oelslager (R-North Canton) announced that Stark County is once again included. The county is set to receive $1,298,584 for the Weber Dental Remediation and Demolition project. 

Once home to Weber Dental Manufacturing Company, the building was abandoned in 1977 when operations ceased. To make the site available for redevelopment, the grant funding will finance the demolition of the building and remediation of environmental contaminants. 

“I was proud to support the program at the beginning of this General Assembly. Ohio has great properties across the state just waiting to live up to their full potential,” said Oelslager. “I’m grateful that the executive branch continues to be generous to Stark County as this grant program progresses.” 

Weber Dental manufactured dental chairs and equipment at the location between 1896 and 1977. While the building remained abandoned after the company closed its doors, the structure was considered historic and sadly, suffered an arson fire that destroyed half the building. 

The funding for the Brownfield Remediation Program was provided by last year’s state operating budget, which passed in the General Assembly and was signed into law. The legislation included a total of $350 million for brownfield remediation.