Tri County News

State Representative Lauren McNally has announced that the Mahoning County Land Reutilization Corporation and the Columbiana County Land Reutilization Corporation will receive a total of $7,265,000. This funding is part of the Ohio Department of Development’s Welcome Home Ohio Grant Program.

“Housing affordability remains a huge concern throughout the state and in our region,” said Rep. McNally. “These local organizations and the funding flowing to support them will create more quality housing stock, which will in turn help with overall housing costs. This funding from the general assembly is extremely important to stabilize our growing housing needs.”

The Welcome Home Ohio program is distributing $25.7 million in grants and $119,274 in planned tax credits statewide to support the creation of 133 owner-occupied homes and the rehabilitation of three single-family homes during its third funding round. The program was established by House Bill 33 passed by the Ohio General Assembly, aiming to invest $100 million over two years for purchasing, rehabilitating, or building residential properties for income-eligible residents. Additionally, $50 million in nonrefundable tax credits are available for landbanks and developers once a property is sold.

The Mahoning County Land Bank will use $5 million to purchase 19 newly constructed homes. Meanwhile, the Columbiana County Land Bank will receive $1.65 million to buy six new homes in Leetonia's Orchard Hill Estates subdivision and an additional $435,000 for purchasing plus $180,000 for rehabilitating six homes in East Palestine.

Applications for grants and tax credits opened on January 9, 2024. Each qualified residential property can receive up to $30,000 for rehabilitation or construction costs while eligible projects may qualify for a maximum tax credit of either one-third of rehab/construction costs or up to $90,000.