Latest news with #DepartmentofDevelopment
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
City of Niles receives grant for zoning updates
NILES, Ohio (WKBN) – The City of Niles is among several communities across Ohio receiving state grants to help 'modernize outdated zoning regulations.' Wednesday, the Ohio Department of Development announced a total of $1.5 million in grants to assist with these efforts and pave the way for new housing development. The funding comes from the new Housing Technical Assistance Program. The City of Niles is receiving $50,000 and was the only local community on the list. 'Zoning regulations can shape the future of a community — for better or worse,' said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development, in a statement. 'By helping our local partners modernize these policies, we're giving them the tools to attract investment, remove barriers to housing, and support long-term growth that fits the needs of their residents.' Funding can be used for contracting services or internal planning work to update comprehensive plans or zoning codes. Other eligible expenses included public meeting costs, administrative support and fees associated with zoning revisions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Local schools awarded $1.3M energy efficiency grant
EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (WKBN) — The East Palestine City School District will receive a significant piece of a statewide grant aimed at supporting energy efficiency. Read next: Ohio primary election: What's on the ballot, and where can I vote? The Ohio Department of Development announced nearly $8.5 million in grants to support energy efficiency projects in eight counties across the state. Locally, the East Palestine City School District will receive $1,363,533. The funds will go toward upgrading building automation systems and complete LED lighting retrofits at the elementary school, middle school, high school and board of education buildings. The project is expected to yield an annual utility savings of 72.5%. The funding comes from the third round of the Advanced Energy Fund, which allocates a total of $8.5 million to help businesses, nonprofits, municipalities and educational institutions complete projects designed to reduce energy usage and associated costs. 'When organizations can spend less on their energy bills, they can invest more in what really matters — serving their communities,' said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. 'These grants are making it possible for more schools, nonprofits, and local businesses to commit to their missions and make an even greater impact on the lives of Ohioans.' All projects selected for funding must show a reduction of at least 15% in utility energy usage, ensuring a tangible and measurable impact on energy efficiency in their communities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
$1.2 million grant to help get housing for people recovering from substance abuse in Ohio
The Ohio Department of Development will be helping over 1,000 people in Ohio who are recovering from substance abuse get safe and stable housing. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The Community Development Block Grant is going to be supporting 11 mental health boards across Ohio. The Recovery Housing Program gives people with incomes at or below 50 percent of the area median income rental subsidies. TRENDING STORIES: UPDATE: 2nd tornado confirmed in area county Driver drops doughnut, causes multi-car crash in Ohio Teen in critical condition after being shot multiple times in Dayton This gives transitional housing options for residents looking to establish stability. 'Recovery doesn't happen overnight, and no one should have to take that journey alone,' said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. 'These grants will ensure more Ohioans have the opportunity to reclaim their independence, rebuild their lives, and write a new chapter filled with hope and opportunity.' Clermont, Cuyahoga, Hancock, Lake, Logan, Champaign, Lucas, Mahoning Trumbull, Union and Montgomery County are all receiving a portion of the funds along with the Paint Valley ADAMH region. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Axios
10-03-2025
- Business
- Axios
Intel's new timeline conflicts with promised deadline
After another round of delays, Intel's Licking County project timeline now appears to be at odds with promises the company made to the state of Ohio. Why it matters: Intel has already received hundreds of millions of dollars from the state for the construction of its planned $20 billion semiconductor factory. If Intel's new projections are accurate, Ohio can decide whether to claw back funds or amend the agreement. Follow the money: In 2023, Ohio agreed to a $600 million onshoring grant funding the construction of two chip factories. The state disbursed the money three months later, setting a project deadline of Dec. 31, 2028. Ohio also committed to a $300 million water reclamation grant, a $475 million Job Creation Tax Credit and about $300 million in road and infrastructure work. New Albany is also spending $180 million on infrastructure for Intel, and the federal CHIPS Act provided $7.86 billion for various Intel projects, $2.2 billion of which has already been distributed. State of play: Despite that 2028 deadline, Intel's latest timeline announcement explicitly says it plans to complete its production facilities, or "fabs," in 2030 and 2031, respectively. The company cited a need to "align the start of production of our fabs with the needs of our business and broader market demand." Between the lines: Department of Development spokesperson Mason Waldvogel confirms to Axios that Intel has received the full $600 million for construction, but has not yet received water reclamation and tax credit funds. What they're saying: Neither Intel nor state officials have an explanation for the timeline discrepancy. Waldvogel says Intel has not requested to amend its agreement and has until a year before the required deadline to do so. "While Intel has indicated a later completion date, construction timelines are estimates and can be moved up." Intel spokesperson Eleonora Akopyan declined to answer Axios' questions about the timeline. Instead, she pointed to language in the announcement that says Intel is "maintaining the flexibility to accelerate work and the start of operations if customer demand warrants." A bird's-eye view of progress Amid project delays and company uncertainty, work is still ongoing at the Ohio One site. Driving the news: Intel released new drone footage showcasing the massive scope of construction, which is reshaping not just New Albany, but the whole region. By the numbers: Intel says crews have already worked more than 6.4 million hours on the project. Waldvogel tells Axios that Ohioans from 83 counties and 430 Ohio companies have worked on the project. As a whole, Intel promised to create 7,000 construction jobs in addition to 3,000 permanent full-time jobs, and $405 million in annual payroll.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ohio bill would eliminate sales tax for guns and ammunition
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio Senators have introduced legislation that would eliminate sales tax for guns and ammunition, while establishing a tax credit for firearm manufacturers in the state. The sponsors of Senate Bill 59, Sens. Al Cutrona (R-Canfield) and Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster), claim Ohio is losing out on gun sales due to buyers traveling to neighboring tax-free states. Competing bills seek to change Ohio marijuana law 'In 2021, similar language was adopted into law in the state of West Virginia, highlighting the necessity of this legislation; to ensure that Ohioans support Ohio businesses,' Schaffer said at an introductory hearing for the bill. Currently, West Virginia is the only state neighboring Ohio that has adopted a sales tax exemption for gun and ammunition purchases. Guns in Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon are also sales tax free since these states do not collect sales tax at all. It is legal to buy a gun in one state and take it to another, as long as the transaction is legal in both states, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. If the bill were to pass, Ohio's sales tax exemption would specifically apply to any non-shotgun firearm that is .50 caliber or smaller, and any shotgun that is 10 gauge or smaller, according to Schaffer. Ammunition for such firearms would also qualify. The measure, introduced in January, would also establish a tax credit capped at $10 million per fiscal year for firearms and ammunition manufacturers that either plan on moving to Ohio or are expanding an existing facility. 'The intent behind this bill is to protect our Second Amendment and remove the burdensome nature of taxes,' Cutrona said. 'Additionally, this is a jobs bill and will create more opportunities for Ohioans. Ohio is open for business and I look forward to the positive impact this legislation will have on our economy.' Father behind 'Lauren's Law' in Ohio sues care facility after eviction The tax credit, called the 'Constitutional Commerce Credit,' would be administered by the state Department of Development, and awarded to businesses that make a capital investment of at least $2 million. Companies would be eligible to receive the refundable tax credit for up to 15 years. Businesses receiving tax incentives would have to maintain operations in the state for the greater part of seven years or the term of the credit plus three years. If a business fails to comply with the rules, the Department of Development could intervene and recapture up to the full amount of the credit awarded, Cutrona said. The pair introduced a similar bill in the last General Assembly, but it only received one hearing and did not pass by the end of the legislative session. A spokesperson with the Ohio Council of Churches, a Christian organization fighting against gun violence, told NBC4 the group is against the bill, calling it 'morally and ethically' irresponsible. Waverly, Ohio teenager on life support after getting the flu 'According to the New England Journal of Medicine, firearms are the leading cause of death for children and adolescents in America,' a spokesperson said. 'Yet our state legislature apparently is bent on not only removing the tax on firearms sales … but actually seeks to encourage the manufacture and distribution of firearms, by bestowing tax incentives on the manufacturers.' SB 59 was assigned to the Senate's Ways and Means Committee. It has had one introductory hearing and awaits proponent and opponent testimony. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
