EPA Awards $75.4 Million in Brownfields Grants
 
July 15, 2004
 
Amy L. Edwards- Washington

On June 15, 2004, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled its most recent round of brownfields grants to cities and states around the country. The awards fall into three categories: assessment grants, cleanup grants and revolving loan fund grants. Most of the grants fell into the $100,000 to $200,000 range, with the largest grant – $4 million – being awarded to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to assist it in establishing a revolving loan fund.

Some of the communities receiving grants include: Boston, Massachusetts; Cranston, Rhode Island; the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation; Miami, Florida; Tampa, Florida; Atlanta Youth Soccer; Richmond, Virginia; Waukegan, Illinois; Cicero, Illinois; Port of Seattle, Washington; Los Angeles, California; Emeryville, California; Sacramento County Business Environmental Resource Center; and San Antonio, Texas.

In 2004 there were a total of 219 applicants receiving a total of 265 grants. Approximately $37.6 million will be used to assess the environmental status of sites; $16.9 million will be used to cleanup sites; and $20.9 million will be used to establish 18 revolving loan funds.

The Brownfields Amendments of 2002 authorized the EPA to issue up to $250 million annually in brownfields grants. Over the life of the brownfields grants program, beginning in 1995, EPA has awarded 554 assessment grants totaling more than $150 million, 66 cleanup grants totaling $11.4 million, and 171 revolving loan fund grants totaling more than $145 million.

EPA will be hosting its annual brownfields conference in St. Louis from September 20-22, 2004. Holland & Knight attorneys will be participating in this conference.

For more information, contact Amy L. Edwards via e-mail at amy.edwards@hklaw.com or call toll free, 1-888-688-8500.

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