Clean Ohio Fund
The Clean Ohio Fund continues to support environmental projects and programs in Ohio. In operation since 2002, the Clean Ohio Fund is made up of four programs, each with a specific focus:
- Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program
- Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund
- Clean Ohio Trails Fund
- Clean Ohio Agricultural Easement Purchase Program
Funding decisions for two of these programs, the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program and the Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund, are overseen by District Public Works Integrating Committees (DPWICs) and Natural Resources Assistance Councils (NRACs). There are 19 DPWICs, each serving a single county or a multi-county area. MORPC staffs the DPWIC serving District 3, which is contiguous with Franklin County. Each DPWIC delegates decision-making authority for the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program to its Natural Resources Assistance Council.
Ohio voters approved a $400 million bond issue in 2000 to fund the Clean Ohio Program. Proceeds from the issue were subdivided as follows:
| Program | Amount (millions) | Percent |
| Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund (Brownfields) | $200 | 50.00% |
| Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program | $150 | 37.50% |
| Clean Ohio Trails Fund | $25 | 6.25% |
| Clean Ohio Agricultural Easement Purchase Program | $25 | 6.25% |
| Total | $400 | 100.00% |
Each District receives a proportionate share of this funding based on population. This funding was intended to last for four years, but some Districts (including District 3) still have leftover funds to allocate. In 2008, District 3 is beginning Round 4C of the program (which represents the third round of the fourth program year, and the seventh year overall).
Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program
Money from this program will expand the amount of protected species habitat in the state and work to improve water quality. Also known as the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund (COCF).
Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund - Brownfields
These projects focus on public health threats, providing new jobs in key neighborhoods and reinvesting in existing sites to help ease pressure for new development in rural areas.
Clean Ohio Trails Fund
Grants to local entities for the acquisition and development of recreational trails. Administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, with the advice of a Clean Ohio Trail Advisory Board. All four rounds of funding under this program have been awarded; there is no more funding available at this time.
Clean Ohio Agricultural Easement Purchase Program
Grants to local entities for the purchase of agricultural easements. Administered by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, with the advice of a Farmland Preservation Advisory Board.
Contact
Wilma Yoder - 614.233.4175
