Mayor Announces $646,912 Grant for Rutland Civic Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 15, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT

Delaynie Potts

Village Clerk-Fiscal Officer and Assistant to the Executive

Telephone: (740) 742-2121, Ext. 1000

delaynie.potts@villageofrutland.org

RUTLAND, Ohio — Mayor Tyler M. Eblin announced today the Village of Rutland has been awarded $646,912 in grant funding through the Ohio Department of Development Brownfield Remediation Program for asbestos abatement and other improvements at Rutland Civic Center.

The $646k grant is part of a $61-million investment across 75 counties in the state of Ohio to help communities clean up contaminated properties and prepare them for new life.

Mayor Eblin explains the Rutland Civic Center was constructed in 1955, during an era when asbestos containing materials were utilized in commercial construction, including the construction of the Rutland Civic Center building. Funding through the Brownfield Remediation Program will allow the Village to remove this asbestos, paving the way for the completion of renovations.

"This project will remove extensive asbestos-containing materials and universal waste from the Rutland Civic Center, a 1950s-era former high school gym now used for municipal and community functions," stated the Ohio Department of Development. "Abatement will address deteriorated ceilings, flooring, insulation, roofing, and window glazing, while grant-funded stormwater improvements will correct chronic basement flooding. Remediation will unlock major planned renovations — including a new roof, windows, HVAC, ADA restrooms, and a coal-heritage museum — allowing the Civic Center to expand programming, increase visitation, and support local economic activity.

Mayor Eblin says another appropriation of funding is currently being considered by the Ohio Legislature through the state capital budget bill. If approved, this funding will provide the Village an additional $465,860.00 to complete all renovations once asbestos is removed.

"I am pleased, and extremely grateful, to announce a more than half a million dollar investment in the heart of our community - the Rutland Civic Center," comments Mayor Eblin. "This building has stood the test of time, has served our community in a variety of ways, bolsters the heartbeat of the Village, and through this much warranted investment, will stand strong for not only Rutland, but surrounding communities, for decades to come."

Mayor Eblin and the Rutland Village Council recognizes and extends their appreciation to the Ohio University and the Mayor's Partnership for Progress for providing technical assistance funding, allocating crucial dollars to the building's environmental assessment, along with the engineering and environmental professionals at Verdantas, for a successful brownfield application.

This is a developing story and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

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