Rep. Robb Blasdel Announces Funding Opportunity for Small, Rural, and Disadvantaged Communities

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.

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

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

TAGs are intended to help communities assess, plan, and prepare for the revitalization of abandoned, vacant, or environmentally impacted properties. 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 median household income below 80% of the statewide median).

Key Program Details:

• Grant Amount: Up to $20,000 per award
• Availability: Only three communities will be selected statewide
• Deadline to Express Interest: December 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 

How to Apply:
Communities interested in being considered should 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 

The Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association (OMEGA), which serves Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Muskingum, and Tuscarawas counties, is encouraging communities across the region to take advantage of this opportunity and stands ready to support local efforts.