Briefs: Historic preservation project in Caledonia awarded tax credit

State support announced for 54 historic rehabilitation projects

COLUMBUS — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted have announced state support for 54 rehabilitation projects that will restore 57 historic buildings across Ohio. The projects are expected to leverage approximately $1.01 billion in private investment.

Three projects in Central Ohio were awarded funding, including the Masonic Block Building in Caledonia. The restoration project, expected to cost $1,030,000, is receiving a total tax credit of $201,500. The Masonic Block Building, constructed in 1897, is an anchor of the 1890's Public Square within Caledonia. Prior to its vacancy in 2008, the site housed the area's Masonic organization and its related businesses. The rehabilitation project seeks to revitalize three retail storefront spaces and encourage area residents and visitors to shop local.

The projects are being awarded funding as part of the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program (OHPTC), administered by the Ohio Department of Development. In total, 21 communities across the state are receiving awards, which total $64,132,847 in tax credits.

The awards will assist private developers in rehabilitating historic buildings in downtowns and neighborhoods. Developers are not issued the tax credit until project construction is complete and all program requirements are verified.

Access to teen driver training is being expanded in Ohio

COLUMBUS — Ohio is expanded access to teen driver training for low-income families through the new “Drive to Succeed” scholarship program.

Administered by the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) and available via grants to local governmental agencies, teens selected for a scholarship by grantee agencies would attend an eligible Ohio-approved driving school in their area at little to no cost. Funding to establish these community-based scholarships will be awarded through a competitive grant process. Local government agencies, such as police departments, sheriffs’ offices and health departments in an area with a population of 5,000 or more, may apply for funding.

Data shows that young drivers under age 24 are involved in 31% of all crashes in Ohio. Youth-related fatal crashes have been steadily rising over the past three years with 296 fatalities in 2021 accounting for almost 24% of all fatal crashes.

Premier Bank's Kindness Movement surpasses $153,000

DEFIANCE — As part of its movement designed to foster kindness, “Powered By (kind) People. Fueled By You.,” Premier Bank has awarded more than $153,000 in community support to 89 organizations in the Southern market throughout 2022. These community partners share in the bank’s dedication and passion for spreading kindness, doing good and making communities stronger.

For more information, visit YourPremierBank.com/Kindness.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Masonic Block Building preservation project awarded state tax credit