EPA’s Brownfields Program Megan Quinn U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization January 25, 2008

2 What are Brownfields? Once-productive areas have been abandoned; some are contaminated. Statutory definition: “Real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant” Lenders, investors, and developers fear environmental liability and are more attracted to “greenfields.” The result has been blighted properties – brownfields. GAO estimates that there are more than 450,000 brownfields across the country.

3 Brownfield Program Outcomes and Benefits Reduces blight and revitalizes urban areas Removes stigma Restores pride in community Creates tax revenue Creates jobs Northern Liberties, Philadelphia Revitalizes neighborhoods Reduces health risks Protects/creates greenspace Reduces sprawl Promotes sustainability

4 Environmental Justice and Brownfields Environmental Justice is an integral part of its Brownfields Program Many brownfields are located in economically distressed and/or minority communities Grants process requires EPA to consider projects that reduce threats to low-income and minority communities EJ is considered in the development of all Office of Brownfields’ guidance and policy

5 Assessment Grants Provide funding for: Inventory sites Characterize sites Assess sites Plan for cleanup and redevelopment Conduct community involvement Who is eligible? State, local, and tribal governments General purpose units of local government Land clearance authorities Quasi-governmental entities Regional Council or redevelopment agencies Funding: Up to $200,000 to assess properties contaminated by hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants Up to $200,000 to assess properties contaminated with petroleum For site-specific proposals, may seek waiver of $200,000 limit and request up to $350,000

6 Revolving Loan Fund Grants Provide funding to capitalize a community-wide revolving loan fund that provides loans and subgrants to carry out assessment and cleanup activities at brownfields. Who is eligible? State, local, and tribal governments General purpose units of local government Land clearance authorities Quasi-governmental entities Regional Council or redevelopment agencies Funding: Up to $1,000,000 per eligible entity Funds may be used to address properties contaminated by hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants and properties contaminated by petroleum At least 60 percent of awarded funds must be used to provide no- interest or low- interest loans for brownfields cleanup Award requires a 20 percent cost share, in the form of a contribution of money, labor, materials, or services for eligible and allowable costs

7 Cleanup Grants Provide funding for cleanup activities at brownfields. Who is eligible? State, local, and tribal governments General purpose units of local government Land clearance authorities Quasi-governmental entities Regional Council or redevelopment agencies Non-profit organizations (to cleanup properties owned by non- profit) Funding: Up to $200,000 per property Each eligible entity can apply for funding for up to five properties Require a 20 percent cost share, in the form of a contribution of money, labor, materials, or services for eligible and allowable costs

8 Job Training Grants Provide funding to train residents of communities affected by brownfields to facilitate cleanup of brownfields properties and prepare trainees for future employment in the environmental field. Job training grants may be awarded to communities that received brownfields assessment or cleanup grants. Who is eligible? States, counties, municipalities, Federally-recognized Indian Tribes, and U.S. Territories Colleges and universities Community job training organizations Non-profit training centers Funding: Up to $200,000 per eligible entity

9 Abandoned Properties

10 Underground Storage Tanks

Brownfields Grants In 2007 EPA announced: $70.7 million for 294 grants to communities in 38 states, 2 territories and 5 tribal nations. 189 assessment grants totaling $36.8 million 92 cleanup grants totaling $17.9 million 13 revolving loan fund grants totaling $16 million

12 Overall Accomplishments Leveraged $10.3 billion in cleanup and redevelopment Leveraged more than 47,000 jobs Supported assessments at more than 9,100 properties Provided grants to all 50 States and 40 Tribes for their response programs Every acre of brownfields redeveloped saves 4.5 acres of greenspace (GWU, 2001) For every dollar the federal, state and local governments put into revitalizing Brownfields, almost $2.50 in private investment was attracted (Brownfields Redevelopment: Performance Evaluation)

13 Increased Support for State and Tribal Response Programs Authorized $50 million/year to establish and enhance State Programs Includes support for capacity building, site assessment and cleanup and related program support 10 fold increase over the past 5 years in number of properties enrolled in State Voluntary Cleanup Programs (over 50,000) Grants awarded on an allocation basis- non competitive

14 Emerging National Issues Measures and A.C.R.E.S. Increased reliance on Federal partnerships Land Revitalization/Reuse FY09 ARC Guidelines Revisions

15 OBLR Grant Funding Opportunities 2009 Assessment, Cleanup and Redevelopment Grants Competition-$80M (Notice in Summer 2008, Awards in Spring 2009) 2009 Job Training Grants Competition- $2.0M (Notice in Summer 2008, Award expected Winter 2009)

16 On the Horizon: Brownfields in 2008 The FY09 Brownfields Grant Application Guidelines will be released in late Summer National Brownfields 2008 Conference: May 5-7 in Detroit, MI

17 Contact Information Megan Quinn U.S. EPA Office of Brownfields & Land Revitalization