City gets $2M grant for green energy project

HAMILTON — The city was awarded $2 million through the Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund to build an alternative energy plant on North Third Street.

Gov. Ted Strickland and Ohio Department of Development Director Lisa Patt-McDaniel announced Friday, Nov. 20, that $28 million is being granted to 16 brownfield cleanup projects throughout the state.

City officials were in Columbus on Friday to provide testimony before the Clean Ohio Council as to the merits of their proposed project to be built at 550 N. Third St.

Melissa Johnson-Gabbard, economic development administrator who specializes in brownfield projects, said it's a competitive grant program and the proposed alternative energy facility ranked seventh among 16 other projects that were funded.

"I think the council was impressed with the green aspect and sustainability of our project," she said. "It was a good day for everyone who had a strong project."

The proposed facility, which could cost up to $225 million to build, would store biomass and other waste products to be used as fuel in place of coal. Gabbard said the facility represents about 90 jobs, and the bidding process for demolishing the existing building could start early in 2010.

The city acquired the property through eminent domain in 2007 from Kumardovic LLC, a company co-owned by Mayor Don Ryan.

The building dates back to the late 19th century, when it was owned by the Niles Tool Works' Pattern Warehouse/Lima-Hamilton Corp. The grant will enable the city to demolish and remediate the property and prepare it for new construction.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2122 or rwilson@coxohio.com.