A $1.5 million project to revive contaminated industrial property in Southwest Mahoning County takes a major step forward according to elected officials.

Ohio Senator Michael Rulli, 58th District Representative Lauren McNally and other local officials will be in Sebring on Monday to mark what they describe major milestone in a years-long effort to redevelop the 20-acre Royal China brownfield site.

Environmental specialists will taking soil samples at property on 126 North Main Street where the company made dinnerware for 70 years, until a fire shut down operations in 1969, leaving behind 2,300 tons of lead-contaminated soil.

The remains of the building have since been removed.

Last year, the State of Ohio awarded a $1,492,670 grant to remediate property at the sites of the company's former shop, glazing, and kiln areas as well as any water on the property.

Contaminated soil will also be removed.

The goal is bring the site up to government-mandated standards for redevelopment.