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(AGENPARL) – lun 20 maggio 2024 Issued: May 20, 2024 (2:05pm EDT)
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Biden-Harris Administration announces nearly $9 million in Brownfield Grants
to rehabilitate and revitalize communities in Connecticut through Investing in
America agenda
Funded by $1.5 billion investment into Brownfields sites from President
Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to address legacy pollution, advance
environmental justice, and create healthier communities
BOSTON (May 20, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
announced $8,966,240 in grant awards from President Biden’s Investing in
America agenda to expedite the assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites in
Connecticut while advancing environmental justice. These investments through
EPA’s Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Programs
and Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant Programs will help transform
once-polluted, vacant, and abandoned properties into community assets, while
helping to create good jobs and spur economic revitalization in overburdened
communities.
EPA selected five communities in Connecticut to receive five grants totaling
nearly $4.5 million in competitive EPA Brownfields funding through the
Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant programs. In addition, the
agency is announcing $4.5 million in supplemental funding to two existing,
high-performing Brownfields RLF Grant Programs to help expedite their
continued work at sites in Connecticut.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the awards in Philadelphia today
alongside Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and U.S. Representative Mary Gay
Scanlon at a local brownfield side near Bartram’s Mile. For over 60 years,
the site was used as an oil terminal, filled with storage tanks full of
petroleum and other semi-volatile organic compounds. The City of Philadelphia
has been working to reclaim brownfield sites along Bartram’s Mile, turning
them into a community hub where residents can access trails for hiking and
biking, as well as areas for fishing, gardening, farming and more.
“Far too many communities across America have suffered the harmful economic
and health consequences of living near polluted brownfield sites,” said
President Joe Biden. “I’ve long believed that people who’ve borne the
burden of pollution should be the first to see the benefits of new investment.
Under my Administration, we are making that a reality by ensuring the historic
resources from my Investing in America agenda reach communities that need it
most. I am proud that my Administration is helping Philadelphia clean up and
transform this area into an economic engine, while tackling a longstanding
environmental injustice and creating good-paying jobs.”
“President Biden sees contaminated sites and blighted areas as an
opportunity to invest in healthier, revitalized communities,” said EPA
Administrator Michael S. Regan. “That’s why he secured historic funding
under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, supercharging EPA’s Brownfields
program to clean up contaminated properties in overburdened communities and
bring them back into productive use.”
“Brownfields grants are gamechangers—they turn polluted, abandoned sites
into thriving community spaces. This isn’t just about cleaning up the
environment; it’s about revitalizing neighborhoods, creating good jobs, and
ensuring healthier living for everyone—it’s a win-win-win-win-win-win,”
said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. “This additional funding from
the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is helping to transform contaminated
properties into valuable community assets, making a real difference for
Connecticut families, especially in the areas that need it most.”
“This $5.46 million in federal funding will help revitalize Connecticut’s
communities, transforming hazardous sites into opportunities for new housing,
economic development, and job growth in historically disadvantaged
neighborhoods. I will continue to advocate for investments that correct
environmental injustices and allow Connecticut to move forward towards a more
sustainable future,” said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.
“Funding for the cleanup of brownfields in our state means we can turn
abandoned and polluted sites into places people can actually use and enjoy,”
said U.S. Senator Chris Murphy. “This $5,466,240 investment from the
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will give communities the funding they need to
transform contaminated properties into clean and productive land for housing,
businesses, greenspace, and more.”
“The $1.5 billion investment in the EPA’s brownfield grant programs
announced today, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, which I
was proud to vote for, will directly lead to continued economic revitalization
in the Naugatuck Valley,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro. “With this funding, the
Connecticut Land Bank and the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments will
receive additional federal resources which will allow them to build on the
progress they have made in addressing the long-term environmental, social, and
economic issues caused by brownfields. I am optimistic that through these
grants the Naugatuck Valley will see the transformation of once harmful and
contaminated areas into environmentally conscious and sustainable spaces that
promote economic renewal.”
“Today’s announcement will help improve community health, support economic
revitalization, and advance environmental justice efforts across our state,”
said Rep. John B. Larson. “I am proud of the work the Connecticut
Congressional Delegation has done to deliver key funds from the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law to support brownfield remediation. Everyone deserves to
live in a healthy environment, regardless of zip code, and these projects will
create good-paying jobs while protecting the health and safety of our
communities.”
“Great to see another $500,000 investment from the federal infrastructure
law coming to eastern Connecticut to begin revitalizing blighted land in
Stafford’s downtown area and the Staffordville neighborhood. Approval of
this grant is a true testament to the Town’s eagle eye focus on securing
funds to support economic and community development,” said Rep. Joe
Courtney. “There’s no question that the federal infrastructure law is
turbocharging investments to transform polluted land to economic hubs. This
new round of funding brings the total investment for brownfield grants in
CT-02 to over $9 million through the federal infrastructure law in just three
years.”
Many communities that are under economic stress, particularly those located in
areas that have experienced long periods of disinvestment, lack the resources
needed to initiate brownfield cleanup and redevelopment projects. As
brownfield sites are transformed into community assets, they attract jobs,
promote economic revitalization and transform communities into sustainable and
environmentally just places.
Thanks to the historic $1.5 billion boost from President Biden’s Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law, EPA’s Brownfields Program is helping more communities
than ever before begin to address the economic, social, and environmental
challenges caused by brownfields and stimulate economic opportunity, and
environmental revitalization in historically overburdened communities.
EPA’s Brownfields Program advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative,
which set a goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain Federal
investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by
underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. The Brownfields Program strives
to meet this commitment and advance environmental justice and equity
considerations in all aspects of its work. Approximately 86% of the MAC and
RLF Supplemental program applications selected to receive funding proposed to
work in areas that include disadvantaged communities.
State Funding Breakdown:
Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Program
Selection
The following organizations in Connecticut have been selected to receive EPA
Brownfields funding through the Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC)
Grant Programs.
Connecticut Brownfield Land Bank, Inc. has been selected to receive $500,000
for a Brownfields Assessment Grant. Community-wide grant funds will be used to
conduct up to six Phase I and up to 12 Phase II environmental site
assessments. Grant funds also will be used to develop reuse strategies and to
conduct community engagement activities. Assessment activities will focus on
the City of Waterbury’s North End Brownfields Corridor and vacant parcels on
East Main Street. Priority sites include the former 4.6-acre Radio Research
Instrument Company, a 6.2-acre site that formerly manufactured clocks, and a
former gas station and auto body shop.
City of Meriden has been selected to receive $975,240 for a Brownfields
Cleanup Grant funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Grant funds will be
used to clean up the 0.33-acre vacant former industrial property located at
51-53 South Colony Street. The cleanup site was previously utilized for
commercial and industrial uses, including electricity generation, welding,
storage, and other commercial activities. The site is vacant and contaminated
with volatile organic compounds, extractable petroleum hydrocarbons, metals,
and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Grant funds also will be used to
formalize a Community Engagement Plan and conduct community engagement
activities.
Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments has been selected to receive $500,000
for a Brownfields Assessment Grant. Community-wide grant funds will be used to
conduct five Phase I and two Phase II environmental site assessments. Grant
funds will also be used to prepare five cleanup and three reuse plans and to
conduct community engagement activities. The target areas for this grant are
the Cities of Waterbury, Ansonia, and Derby. Priority sites include a 6.6-acre
site that formerly manufactured cable and chains, a 4-acre site formerly used
as a gas station and for manufacturing, and an underutilized metals casting
manufacturing site.
Town of Redding has been selected to receive $1,991,000 for a Brownfields
Cleanup Grant funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Grant funds will be
used to clean up the former Gilbert & Bennett Wire Mill Manufacturing Site
located at 20 North Main Street. The 44-acre cleanup site operated as a wire
mill from 1818 to 1989 and produced metal fencing, insect screening, sieves,
outdoor furniture, animal cages, reinforcing mesh for concrete, and various
other metal products. It is contaminated with hazardous materials and
petroleum products from former factory operations, which produced byproducts
such as waste acids, alkalis, solvents, oils, paints, metal and zinc
galvanizing wastes, skimmings/dross, and metal hydroxide sludge. Grant funds
also will be used to conduct community engagement activities.
Town of Stafford has been selected to receive $500,000 for a Brownfields
Assessment Grant. Community-wide grant funds will be used to inventory sites
and conduct three Phase I and three Phase II environmental site assessments.
Grant funds also will be used to develop one area-wide plan and three cleanup
plans, and support community engagement activities. The target areas for this
grant are the Town of Stafford’s Downtown Area and the Staffordville
neighborhood. Priority sites include a 15-acre housing complex that provides
110 affordable housing units for seniors, veterans, and individuals with
disabilities, a 9-acre former industrial mill complex, and a nearly 3-acre
parcel with eight vacant and adjoining industrial mill buildings.
To see the list of the FY 2024 Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup applicants
selected for funding, visit EPA’s FY 2024 Multipurpose, Assessment and
Cleanup Applicants webpage.
Non-competitive Supplemental Funding Through the Existing Revolving Loan Fund
(RLF) Grant Program
In addition, the Agency is announcing $4,500,000 in non-competitive
supplemental funding to two successful existing Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)
Grant programs in Connecticut that have already achieved success in their work
to clean up and redevelop brownfield sites. RLF Grants provide funding for
recipients to offer loans and subgrants to carry out cleanup activities at
brownfield sites. The funding announced today will help communities continue
to address the economic, social, and environmental challenges caused by
brownfield sites. The following Connecticut organizations have been selected
to receive non-competitive Supplemental Funding Through the Existing Revolving
Loan Fund (RLF) Grant Program.
Capitol Region Council of Governments has been selected to receive $1 million
through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, in addition to the $1.45 million in
EPA funds already awarded, because it has a high-performing RLF program with
significantly depleted funds. The RLF program has successfully made its first
loan leading to one cleanup project that is in progress. Potential projects
highlighted for use of the BIL funding include the Arrowhead Gateway project
in Hartford. This project will be a mixed-use development providing
much-needed income-restricted housing and is anticipated to leverage over
$18,000,000. The BIL funding will extend the capacity of the program to
provide funding for more cleanups in the most underserved areas 38 member
communities over multiple counties in the CRCOG region, and all other parts of
Connecticut not covered by a separate Brownfields RLF program.
Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments has been selected to receive $3.5
million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, in addition to the
$11,317,089.74 in EPA funds already awarded, because it has a high-performing
RLF program with significantly depleted funds. The RLF program has
successfully made loans or subgrants leading to 27 cleanup projects that are
either completed or in progress. Potential projects highlighted for use of the
BIL funding include 35 Main Street in Ansonia and the former Waterbury Clock
Factory in Waterbury. The Ansonia project is supporting the City’s master
plan to convert a dilapidated mill into an industrial facility providing over
60 jobs in an underserved community with environmental justice challenges.
Over $9 million in leveraged funds are anticipated from state and private
sources to assist with the successful completion of the project. The Waterbury
project is anticipated to leverage over $5 million in state and private funds
to remediate the clock factory, creating a mixed-use space with 100+
mixed-rate housing units and 35 or more permanent jobs. The BIL funding will
extend the capacity of the program to provide funding for more cleanups in the
most underserved areas in Winchester, Torrington, Burlington, Watertown,
Woodbury, Southbury, Middlebury, Thomaston, Plymouth, Bristol, Waterbury,
Naugatuck, Plainville, Berlin, Southington, Cheshire, Prospect, Wolcott,
Newtown, Redding, Beacon Falls, Seymour, Ansonia, Derby, and Shelton.
To see the list of RLF Supplemental funding recipients, visit EPA’s FY
2024 Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup Applicants webpage.
Additional Background:
EPA has selected these organizations to receive funding to address and support
the reuse of brownfield sites to address the health, economic, social, and
environmental challenges caused by brownfields. EPA anticipates making all the
awards announced today once all legal and administrative requirements are
satisfied.
EPA’s Brownfields Program began in 1995 and has provided nearly $2.7 billion
in Brownfield Grants to assess and clean up contaminated properties and return
blighted properties to productive reuse. Prior to the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law, this program made approximately $60 million available each
year. Thanks to the President’s historic investments in America through the
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA has now increased that yearly investment
nearly 400 percent. More than half of the funding available for this grant
cycle (approximately $160 million) comes from the historic $1.5 billion
investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This
investment has also allowed the MAC grants’ maximum award amounts to
increase significantly from $500,000 to a new maximum of $5 million per award.
To see the list of the FY 2024 Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup applicants
selected for funding, visit EPA’s FY 2024 Multipurpose, Assessment and
Cleanup Applicants webpage.
To see the list of RLF Supplemental funding recipients, visit EPA’s FY
2024 Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup Applicants webpage.
To learn more about RLF Technical Assistance grant recipient, visit EPA’s
Brownfields Grow America webpage.
For more information on EPA’s Brownfields Program, visit EPA’s Brownfields
webpage.
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