5 o T> Brownfields 2006 Grant Fact Sheet Minneapolis, MN EPA Brownfields Program EPA's Brownfields Program empowers states, commu- nities, and other stakeholders to work together to prevent, assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse brownfields. Abrownfield site is 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. On January 11, 2002, President George W. Bush signed into law the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act. Under the Brownfields Law, EPA provides financial assistance to eligible applicants through four competitive grant programs: assessment grants, revolving loan fund grants, cleanup grants, and job training grants. Addi- tionally, funding support is provided to state and tribal response programs through a separate mechanism. Community Description The City of Minneapolis was selected to receive two brownfields cleanup grants. Minneapolis (population 382,618) includes a federally designated Empower- ment Zone. In some neighborhoods, up to 38 percent of residents live below the poverty level, and the average per capita income is $10,000. Minneapolis is a diverse community that includes African-Americans, Hmong, and Latinos. Hazardous waste sites and leaking underground storage tanks in the city are the legacy of bulk petroleum storage facilities, metal platers, scrap recyclers, and used oil and solvent recyclers. These uses have led to soil and groundwater contamination and threats to human health. When these brownfields are cleaned up, they will facilitate construction of the Van White Memorial Boulevard, which will connect two disadvantaged neighborhoods, Cleanup Grants $400,000 for petroleum EPA has selected the City of Minneapolis for two brownfields cleanup grants. Petroleum grant funds will be used to clean up the Blanchard Warehouse at 1131 and 1207 2nd Avenue North, and the Special School District #1 site at 1001 2nd Avenue North. Both sites were used for bulk petroleum storage and are contaminated with petroleum products. Funds also will be used for community outreach activities. Contacts For further information, including specific grant contacts, additional grant information, brownfields news and events, and publications and links, visit the EPA Brownfields web site at: www.epa.gov/ brownfields. EPA Region 5 Brownfields Team 312-886-7576 http: //www. epa.gov/R5 Brownfields/ Grant Recipient: City of Minneapolis, MN 612-673-5174 The cooperative agreement for this grant has not yet been negotiated; therefore, activities described in this fact sheet are subject to change. Bassett Creek Valley and Near Northside/Heritage Park, to the economic opportunity and amenities of the city's more affluent areas. Redevelopment of brown- fields will stabilize one of the city's low-income areas and target infrastructure investment to a predominantly minority community. Solid Waste and Emergency Response (5105T) EPA560-F-06-124 May 2006 www.epa.gov/brownfields ------- |