Brownfields
Federal Programs Guide
2009 Edition
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Prepared by:
Environmental Management Support, Inc.
(Contract No. EP-W-07-054)
8601 Georgia Avenue, Suite 500
Silver Spring, MD 20910
www.emsus.com
Prepared for:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization
Ariel Rios Building
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460
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Contents
Introduction iii
Overview of Brownfields Federal Programs v
Federal Programs 1
Appalachian Regional Commission 2
Department of Agriculture
Rural Development Mission Area 4
United States Forest Service 7
Department of Commerce
Economic Development Administration 9
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 12
Department of Defense
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 14
Office of Economic Adjustment 16
Department of Energy 17
Department of Health and Human Services
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 19
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health 21
Office of Community Services 26
Department of Housing and Urban Development 28
Department of the Interior
National Park Service 33
Office of Surface Mining 35
Department of Justice
Community Capacity Development Office 37
Department of Labor 39
Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration 40
Federal Transit Administration 42
Environmental Protection Agency 45
Federal Housing Finance Agency 51
General Services Administration 53
Small Business Administration 55
Federal Tax Incentives and Credits 59
Brownfields Expensing Tax Incentive 60
New Markets Tax Credits 62
Low Income Housing Tax Credits 65
Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits 68
State Finance Support 71
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Introduction
One factor in the success of the national effort to clean
up and redevelop brownfields has been the broad range
of support provided by the federal government. Often, a
project's success hinges upon the availability and sustain-
ability of technical and financial assistance from several
sources. It is not unusual for brownfields stakeholders to
seek multiple sources of assistance to meet project goals.
This Brownfields Federal Programs Guide summarizes the
wide range of technical and financial assistance available
from federal agencies for brownfields and land revital-
ization projects. It also summarizes assistance available
in the form of state and federal tax credits, loans, loan
guarantees, and other incentives.
Whether your brownfields redevelopment and reuse
plans involve the creation of parks, low-income housing,
commercial development, renewable energy systems,
mass transit, or a range of other uses, you may be able to
assemble a package of assistance from diverse sources
for cleanup and redevelopment.
For example, the city of Fort Worth, Texas, leveraged
more than $13 million in federal funding from a variety
of programs to create a new Evans and Rosedale Busi-
ness and Culture District in a historic African-American
neighborhood. The project encompasses about 25 acres
and 110 industrial, commercial, and residential lots or
parcels, many of which were brownfields. The renovated
district will include an African-American marketplace
and cultural center with restaurants, jazz venues, a
central park and plaza, and a mix of residential and com-
mercial uses. Building on a $200,000 grant from EPA, Fort
Worth was able to leverage a $1.2 million grant from
the Department of Commerce's Economic Development
Administration (EDA), $3.25 million from the U.S. De-
partment of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD)
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program,
a $7.5 million HUD Section 8 loan, and a $1.5 million
Brownfields Economic Development Initiative (BEDI)
grant, also from HUD.
Even small communities can realize their brownfields
goals by assembling a funding package from the federal
and state sources outlined in this guide. The commu-
nity of Mountain, North Dakota, which has fewer than
150 permanent residents, is undertaking an ambitious
fundraising effort to finance the construction of a new
community center on a brownfield. Assistance pro-
vided through an EPA Targeted Brownfields Assessment
(TBA) helped the community identify contamination
and cleanup options for the property. Before construc-
tion can begin on the new community center, the city
must raise enough money to cover the costs. As of
November 2008, the town already had raised close
to $1 million of its $1.26 million goal from a wide
variety of funding sources, including: U.S. Depart-
ment of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Business Enterprise
grants ($535,000), a USDA Community Facilities Grant
($151,000), funding from the North Dakota Depart-
ment of Commerce ($50,000), a Pembina County Job
Development Grant ($5,000), and funding from a vari-
ety of non-federal sources, including the Government
of Iceland (ancestral home of many Mountain resi-
dents), which contributed $75,000 for the project. The
city also has raised several hundred thousand dollars
in private donations.
This Brownfields Federal Programs Guide updates the
2005 edition to aid in the cleanup and redevelopment
of brownfields. Each federal agency or organization is
summarized with respect to its mission and connec-
tion to brownfields. Each summary includes a list of
programs—organized according to whether they can
provide technical or financial assistance—relevant to
brownfield sites. Where applicable, a description of
eligibility requirements, availability, uses and applica-
tions, as well as any restrictions on use or eligibility is
included. "Snapshots" of brownfield projects that have
successfully leveraged funding from these programs are
included to illustrate how federal programs have stimu-
lated brownfields cleanup and redevelopment around
the country.
The section "Other Support for Brownfields Cleanup and
Redevelopment" explains options for using federal tax
incentives and bringing state and local partners into
the funding mix. Tapping into these additional funding
sources often can provide the additional resources that a
brownfields project needs.
A good example is Gateway Park, an 11 -acre mixed-use
complex in downtown Worcester, Massachusetts, that
showcases that city's growing life sciences and bioen-
gineering industries. Combined with significant private
investment, funding from a combination of public
sources made the project possible. Worcester Polytech-
nic Institute (WPI) and the Worcester Business Develop-
ment Corporation invested $64 million in cash, equity,
and loans and provided matching funds that allowed the
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City of Worcester to secure infrastructure grant resources
from the U.S. Economic Development Administration
(EDA). The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provided an
environmental insurance subsidy through its Brownfield
Redevelopment Access to Capital (MassBRAC) program,
a state match to federal U.S. Department of Transporta-
tion (DOT) funds, and a state public works grant. Federal
involvement in the Gateway Park project also was strong.
In addition to the EDA grant and federal transportation
funds, the financing package included a brownfields
grant from EPA and funding from the Department of
Defense and the National Institutes of Health for WPI's
Bioengineering Institute.
EPA encourages stakeholders to think broadly about a
brownfields project and plan early for its success by con-
sidering the many options available for technical and fi-
nancial assistance. This guide provides a useful tool. The
quick-reference table that follows gives an overview of
brownfields federal programs to help narrow your search
for federal programs that might apply to your project.
For additional information and assistance, contact your
EPA regional brownfields coordinator (http://epa.gov/
brownfields/contacts.htm] or your EPA regional land
revitalization coordinator (http://www.epa.gov/landrevi-
talization/con tactus.htm].
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Overview of Brown fields Federal Programs
FEDERAL AGENCY
Appalachian Regional Commission
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Economic development grants
Technical assistance to address
brownfields, including mine-
scarred lands, in the 13 Appala-
chian states
Department of Agriculture,
Rural Development
Loan guarantees for rural busi-
nesses
Loans for small businesses
Rural business development
grants
Renewable energy grants
Technical assistance and training
for rural businesses
Department of Agriculture,
U.S. Foreste Service
Financial assistance to plant and
maintain trees for beautification
or remediation of brownfields
Technical assistance for planting
trees on mine-scarred lands and
for phytoremediation
Technical assistance for planting
trees for open space, parks, and
land conservation projects
Department of Commerce,
Economic Development
Administration
Grants for infrastructure and
building reuse in distressed areas
Grants for economic development
planning
Economic adjustment grants
Assistance with economic devel-
opment planning
Department of Commerce,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Assistance with the restoration of
contaminated coastal sites
Special projects relating to
coastal resource management
Department of Defense,
Army Corps of Engineers
Congressionally mandated water
resource civic works
Reimbursable water- and land-
related engineering technical
assistance
Watershed and ecosystem plan-
ning support for states
Centers of expertise
Department of Defense,
Office of Economic Adjustment
Grants for planning the redevel-
opment of closed military facilities
Assistance with planning the
redevelopment of closed military
facilities
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FEDERAL AGENCY
Department of Energy
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Research to reduce building en-
ergy use
Facilitates transition of clean sites
to beneficial reuses, including
energy parks
Department of Health and Human
Services, Agency for Toxic Substanc-
es and Disease Registry
Grants to assess health issues asso-
ciated with redevelopment plans
Technical assistance to public
health agencies
Assistance in reviewing environ-
mental assessment data
Department of Health and Human
Services, National Institute of
Environmental Health Sciences
Grants to develop innovative health
and safety training programs
Research grants to seek solutions to
health and environmental issues
Training for hazardous waste
workers
Training for minority workers in
environmental restoration
Training in hazardous materials
disaster preparedness
Department of Health and Human
Services, Office of Community Services
Grants to small communities to
develop solutions to public safety
problems
Department of Housing and Urban
Development
Nationwide block grant for com-
munity development
Loan guarantees for community
development
Grants to stabilize neighborhoods
affected by abandoned housing
Grants for brownfields economic
development
Tax incentives for distressed areas
Affordable housing block grants
Lead-based paint abatement grants
Department of the Interior,
National Park Service
Transfer of surplus federal land to
state and local governments for
park creation
Technical assistance for conserva-
tion and recreation projects
Department of the Interior,
Office of Surface Mining
Grants to reclaim streams affected
by acid mine drainage
Grants to states and tribes to re-
claim abandoned mine lands
Technical assistance for water-
shed development
Watershed remediation internships
Department of Justice,
Community Capacity Development
Office
Grants to promote revitalization
activities in distressed small com-
munities
Department of Labor
Technical assistance to states on
workforce development
Technical assistance to state on
readiness for brownfields redevel-
opment job needs
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FEDERAL AGENCY
Department of Transportation,
Federal Highway Administration
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Grants for transportation projects
and planning
Grants for air quality improvement
and congestion mitigation
Grants for transportation enhance-
ment
Technical assistance for long-
range transportation planning
Department of Transportation,
Federal Transit Administration
Grants for public transportation
capital projects
Grants for fixed guideway (e.g.,
rail) and bus facilities
Grants for multimodal transporta-
tion planning
Environmental Protection Agency
Grants for brownfields assessment
and cleanup
Loans for water quality improve-
ment projects
Grants to states and tribes to en-
hance response and brownfields
programs
Grants to conduct hazardous ma-
terials handling training
Targeted brownfields assessments
Brownfields and Land Revitaliza-
tion Technology Support Center
Innovative Technologies
Technical assistance to brown-
fields
Federal Housing Finance Agency
Loans for housing and economic
development that benefits low-
and moderate-income families
Loans and grants for affordable
housing
General Services Administration
Assistance to match underused
federal properties with local revi-
talization objectives
Small Business Administration
Loans for major fixed assets, such
as land and buildings
Loans for general business purposes
Technical assistance for small
business development
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Federal Programs
This section outlines the key programs and incentives
that can be used to support brownfield projects offered
by the federal government. Organized by agency, each
entry provides a general description of the agency's
overall mission and identifies the resources (financial
assistance and technical assistance) that are available.
Useful contact information is provided for each.
When considering potential sources of assistance for
brownfield efforts, keep in mind that many federal pro-
grams may not specifically use the term "brownfields."
Nevertheless, they still may offer resources applicable for
brownfields cleanup and redevelopment.
Brownfield-related resources are outlined for the follow-
ing federal agencies:
Appalachian Regional Commission
Department of Agriculture—Rural Development Mission Area
Department of Agriculture—United States Forest Service
Department of Commerce—Economic Development Administration
Department of Commerce—National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Department of Energy
Department of Defense—U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Department of Defense—Office of Economic Adjustment
Department of Health and Human Services—Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry
Department of Health and Human Services—National Institute of Environmental
Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health
Department of Health and Human Services—Office of Community Services
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Department of the Interior—National Park Service
Department of the Interior—Office of Surface Mining
Department of Justice—Community Capacity Development Office
Department of Labor
Department of Transportation—Federal Highway Administration
Department of Transportation—Federal Transit Administration
Environmental Protection Agency
Federal Housing Finance Agency
General Services Administration
Small Business Administration
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Appalachian Regional Commission
Mission
The Appalachian Regional Commission's (ARC) mission
is to be an advocate for and partner with the people of
Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining
economic development and improved quality of life.
ARC membership comprises the governors of the 13
Appalachian states and a federal co-chair appointed by
the president. Each year, the governors elect one of their
members to serve as state co-chair. Local participation is
provided through multi-county local development districts
with boards made up of elected officials, business people,
and other local leaders. Congress appropriates funds annu-
ally, which ARC allocates among its member states.
Brownfields Connections
ARC's strategic plan seeks to raise awareness of and le-
verage support for the reclamation and reuse of brown-
fields. Brownfields are a key element of ARC's Asset-
Based Development initiative. ARC has made numerous
grants for brownfields-related projects since 1965,
including a 2008 project co-funded with an EPA Brown-
fields grant. ARC also has participated in the Brownfields
Federal Partnership and Mine-Scarred Lands working
group.
Finan da I Assist an ce
Area Development Program
The Area Development Program promotes a diversified
regional economy through strategies that help com-
munities create and retain businesses and jobs; helps
communities develop an educated, skilled workforce
and create access to affordable, quality health care; and
supports the development and improvement of infra-
structure, including water and sewer services, and the
development and use of Internet access.
Grants are awarded to projects that further the four goals
in ARC's strategic plan:
• Increase job opportunities and per capita income in
Appalachia to reach parity with the nation.
• Strengthen the capacity of the Appalachian people to
compete in the global economy.
• Develop and improve Appalachia's infrastructure to
make the region economically competitive.
• Build the Appalachian Development Highway System
to reduce Appalachia's isolation.
Most ARC grants originate at the state level. Potential
applicants should contact their state ARC program
manager to request a pre-application package. The local
development district serving the county in which the
project is located also may provide guidance on a proj-
ect's eligibility for funding and assistance in preparing a
grant application.
Eligibility Requirements: Typically, ARC grants are
awarded to state and local agencies and governmental
entities (e.g., economic development authorities), local
governing boards (e.g., county councils), and nonprofit
organizations (e.g., schools and organizations that build
low-cost housing).
Limitations: ARC funding is limited to projects in 420
designated counties in the 13 Appalachian states. ARC
focuses resources on distressed counties and designated
distressed areas. Because individual states may limit ARC
funding to specific areas, applicants should consult ARC
program managers for information on their state's ARC
funding priorities.
ARC expects grantees to contribute matching resources
to projects—to the extent they are able to do so—and to
seek additional non-ARC funding assistance in a diligent
manner. ARC has specific requirements for matching
funds; individual states may have additional require-
ments. State ARC program managers or local develop-
ment districts can provide information about state
matching requirements.
Availability: All applicants considering brownfields rede-
velopment activities should contact their state ARC pro-
gram manager to request pre-application information.
Uses/Applications: Grants and technical resources can
be used for brownfields-related activities including:
• Planning and technical assistance to address brown-
fields problems
• Infrastructure needed to convert brownfields to new
economic uses
• Conversion of obsolete industrial sites to public
purposes
httD://www.arc.aov/index.do?nodeld=8
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Outreach/Technical Assistance
Mine-Scarred Lands Working Group
ARC is one of six federal partners participating in the
Mine-Scarred Lands (MSL) Working Group, which was
established in 2003 as a component of the Brownfields
Federal Partnership. In order to learn about mine-scarred
lands challenges and how federal, state and local entities
can work together, the MSL Working Group identified six
demonstration projects including three in Appalachian
coal communities: Hazleton, Pennsylvania, Lee County,
Virginia, and Kanawha County, West Virginia. Details on
these pilot projects are provided in Mine-Scarred Lands
Revitalization: Models through Partnerships (Publication
Number: EPA-560-R-05-003 September/October 2005).
Eric Stockton
Appalachian Regional Commission
1666 Connecticut Avenue
Washington, DC 20009-1068
202-884-7752
estockton@arc.Qov
Main Site
http://www.arc.gov
ARC State Program Managers
http://www.arc.gov/index.do?nodeld=T3
Local Development District Contacts
http://www.arc.ciov/index.do?nodeld=20
The 75-acre, $28 million Mingo County Wood Prod-
ucts Industrial Park was redeveloped on the site of
an abandoned strip mine first excavated for coal in
1888. Much of the redevelopment activity involved
site preparation—including construction of an
access road, wastewater and stormwater systems,
and links to public water supplies. A range of public
sources were leveraged, including more than $6 mil-
lion in state and federal grants from the Economic
Development Administration, the U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development (through West
Virginia's small cities Community Development
Block Grant allocation), and several state agencies. A
key component of the financing package came from
a $1 million grant made by the Appalachian Region-
al Commission, which covered the cost of providing
potable water service to the industrial park.
ARC-Designated Distressed Counties
httD://www.arc.aov/index.do?nodeld=2303
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Department of Agriculture—
Rural Development Mission Area
Mission
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is in a key po-
sition to support activities critical to community brown-
fields revitalization efforts. The Rural Development office
operates ten types of programs that rural communities
can find useful in redevelopment projects. Nearly all of
these programs have been used at brownfields projects:
• Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Improve-
ments Program
• Housing Programs
• Community Facilities Programs
• Business Programs
• Cooperative Programs
• Electric Programs
• Telecommunication Programs
• Water and Environment Programs
• Community Development Programs
• Utilities Programs
The USDA Rural Development program is administered
on a state-by-state basis and through districts within
each state. Identifying a State Director's Office and local
contact will facilitate access and help in applying for
grants and loans from the various Rural Development
programs. (See http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/scrtv/sdirs.
html to find individual State Director's Office websites
and contact information.)
Brownfields Connections
' Provides grants, loans, and loan guarantee assistance
for a variety of business, commercial, and industrial
projects in small towns and rural areas.
• Supports the installation and improvement of critical in-
frastructure needed to support economic development.
• Helps finance the construction of key public facilities.
Financial Assistance
Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program
The Business and Industry (B&l) Guaranteed Loan Pro-
gram provides financial backing for rural businesses. The
program guarantees up to 80 percent of a loan made by
commercial lenders to businesses located in rural areas.
The program is administered at the state level by USDA
Rural Development state offices.
Eligibility Requirements: Eligible entities include: coop-
eratives, corporations, partnerships, trusts or other profit
or nonprofit entities; Indian tribes; and municipalities,
counties, or other local governments.
Availability: The maximum loan for a rural cooperative
organization is $40,000,000. The total amount of Agency
loans to one borrower may not exceed $25,000,000. Re-
payment schedules for real estate loans are not to exceed
30 years. Equipment loans are not to exceed 15 years.
Uses/Applications:
• Buildings and real estate development
• Machinery and equipment
• Debt refinancing
http://www.rurdev.usda.aov/rbs/busp/b&i gar.htm
Intermediary Relendina Program
The Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) capitalizes
locally run revolving loan funds for small businesses not
able to secure adequate bank financing on their own.
Like the B&l program, resources from the IRP can be used
for real estate and equipment purposes.
Eligibility Requirements: Intermediaries may be private
nonprofit corporations, public agencies, Indian tribes or
cooperatives with at least 51 percent rural membership.
Availability: Intermediaries may receive initial loans
of up to $750,000 as well as subsequent loans of up to
$750,000. Loans to intermediaries are scheduled for
repayment over a period of 30 years. The interest rate on
loans for intermediaries is one percent per year.
Uses/Applications (all apply to loans from intermediar-
ies to ultimate recipients):
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• Establish new businesses or expand existing business
• Create employment opportunities or save existing jobs
• Community development projects
h ttp://www.rurdev. usda.gov/rbs/busp/irp. h tm
The Rural Business Opportunity Grant Program
The Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG) program
promotes sustainable economic development in rural
communities with exceptional needs. This program may
be particularly helpful as grants may be made for the
identification and analysis of business opportunities; the
establishment of support centers to assist with the cre-
ation of new rural businesses; to conduct regional, com-
munity, and local economic development planning; and
other related training, planning, and coordination efforts.
Eligibility Requirements: Eligible entities include public
bodies, nonprofit corporations, Indian tribes, and coop-
eratives that have expertise in the activities proposed.
The project must demonstrate that the funding will
result in economic development and must have perfor-
mance measures.
Availability: Priority points for funding are awarded to
projects that are sustainable and explain the quality
of expected economic activity, leverage other funds,
demonstrate a need to improve economic conditions in
the service area, and provide a useful, new, best practice.
The maximum grant for a project servicing a single state
is $50,000.
Uses/Applications:
• Provide economic planning for rural communities
• Provide technical assistance for rural businesses
• Provide training for rural entrepreneurs or economic
development officials
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/rbog.htm
The Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program
The Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program
provides grants to public bodies and private nonprofit
corporations for projects designed to finance and fa-
cilitate the development of small and emerging private
for-profit or nonprofit small businesses. RBEG grant may
include funding for infrastructure items such as access
to streets and roads, utility extensions, water supply, and
waste disposal facilities and so forth. In addition, RBEG
grants may be utilized for the acquisition of land, build-
ings, plants, equipment, parking areas, and technical
assistance regarding transportation services.
Eligibility Requirements: Eligible entities include non-
profits, local governments, states, and tribes. The small
and emerging businesses requiring assistance must have
fewer than 50 employees and less than $1,000,000 in
revenues.
Availability: Preference is given to projects costing less
than $100,000.
Uses/Applications:
• Provide needed infrastructure
• Fund technical assistance needs
• Establish or fund revolving loan-fund programs
h ttp://www.rurdev. usda.gov/rbs/busp/rbeg.htm
The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant
Program
The loan program provides funds to intermediaries that
have or have had a borrowing relationship with the Rural
Utility Service. Intermediaries may receive zero-interest
loans, which are passed through to rural small busi-
nesses to assist business and create new jobs or retain
existing jobs. The grant program provides grant funds to
intermediaries to establish revolving-loan funds for use
in making loans to rural small businesses for the creation
and retention of viable jobs in rural areas.
Eligibility Requirements: To receive funding under the
program (which will be forwarded to selected eligible
projects) an entity must:
• Have borrowed and repaid or pre-paid an insured,
direct, or guaranteed loan received under the Rural
Electrification Act, or
• Be a not-for-profit utility that is eligible to receive
assistance from the Rural Development Electric or
Telecommunication Program
• Be a current Rural Development Electric or Telecom-
munication Programs Borrower
Availability: The maximum funding for a loan is
$740,000. The maximum funding for a grant to establish
a revolving loan fund is $300,000.
Uses/Applications:
• Industrial development parks
• Business incubators
• Establish revolving loan funds
http://wwwjurdev.usda.ciov/rs/busD/redlci.htm
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Community Facilities Program: Guaranteed
Loans, Direct Loans, and Grants
The guarantee portion of this program provides an
incentive for commercial lending that will develop es-
sential community facilities. The direct loan program
does the same thing, except that USDA functions as the
lender. In either case, the loans can run for up to 40 years
or for the useful life of the facility (if less than that). In
the case of distressed rural communities that cannot
qualify for a private or USDA loan for essential commu-
nity facilities, USDA Rural Development can make grants.
Water and Waste Disposal Loans, Loan Guaran-
tees, and Grants
USDA Rural Development offers several programs aimed
at developing and repairing water, sewer, storm drain-
age, and solid waste systems in rural areas with popula-
tions of 10,000 or less. These programs can be used to
support industrial activities. The loans can run up to 40
years with interest dependent upon the median house-
hold income of the borrower.
Renewable Energy for America Program
The Renewable Energy for America Program has compet-
itive grant funds available to purchase renewable energy
systems and make energy efficiency improvements for
agricultural producers and rural small businesses in or-
der to reduce energy costs and consumption. It includes
grants of up to $500,000 for Renewable Energy Systems
and grants of up to $250,000 for Energy Efficiency Im-
provements. Loans for Renewable Energy Systems have a
maximum limit of $25 million. Repayment terms for the
loans for real estate must not exceed 30 years and loans
for machinery and equipment must not exceed 20 years.
h tto://www.rurdev. usda.aov/rbs/farm bill/index, h tml
http://www.da.usda.gov/hmmd/brownfields.htm
Blake Velde
USDA Brownfields Coordinator
DA/OPPM/EMD
1400 Independence Ave., SW MS-9100
Washington, DC 20250
202-205-0906
blake.velde@da.usda.gov
Main Site:
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov
State Contacts:
h ttp://www.rurdev. usda.gov/scrtv/sdirs.h tml
The century-old former Potosi Brewery had been
abandoned for more than 30 years and was contam-
inated with asbestos, lead paint, and other environ-
mental hazards. With assistance from the USDA's
Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program,
the community restored and reopened the prop-
erty in June 2008 as a state-of-the-art brewery and
museum complex. USDA's backing of the original
$2.6 million loan, extended by Mound City Bank,
was a key to launching the project. A second guar-
anteed loan of $660,000 provided additional capital
to cover increased development costs. Most of the
remaining funding for the $7.5 million project came
from state grants. The new Potosi Brewery complex
has become the new Main Street anchor for this
town of 700 residents.
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Department of Agriculture-
United States Forest Service
Mission
The mission of the U.S. Forest Service is to sustain the
health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests
and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future
generations.
Within the State and Private Forestry Deputy Area,
the Cooperative Forestry Programs provide technical,
financial and research assistance to help states, private
landowners and communities develop best manage-
ment practices of natural resources for the ecosystem
services they provide, promote the community resilience
and economic development.
Brownfields Connections
• Provides technical assistance for brownfields projects
in selected area (targeted to EPA grantee local gov-
ernments and federal Empowerment Communities
and Enterprise Zones).
• Offers technical and financial assistance for sustain-
able redevelopment and brownfield reuse projects
in 50 states and nine affiliated territories through the
state forestry agencies.
• Assists EPA and other federal agencies with the rede-
velopment of brownfields located in rural communi-
ties or near mine-scarred lands.
• Supports communities that want to convert existing
brownfields into natural open space, parks, or tree-
covered linear parks, or conduct other land conserva-
tion projects to increase access to nature.
• Assists rural and urban brownfields communities in
applying for USDA grants and loans.
Financial and Technical Assistance
Urban and Community Forestry Program
The Urban and Community Forestry Program responds to
the needs of urban areas by maintaining, restoring, and
improving urban forest ecosystems on more than 70 mil-
lion acres. Through these efforts the program encourages
and promotes the creation of healthier, more livable urban
environments across the nation. Urban forests are dynam-
ic ecosystems that provide environmental services such
as clean air and water. Trees cool cities and save energy,
improve air quality, reduce storm water runoff, strengthen
local economies improve social connections that create
restorative commons to improve health and wellbeing,
and complement smart growth principles. The Urban and
Community Forestry Program provides financial and tech-
nical assistance to plan, protect, establish, and manage
and utilize trees, forests, and related resources.
Eligibility Requirements: Local governments, nonprofit or-
ganizations, community groups, educational institutions,
and tribal governments are eligible for assistance. The pro-
gram is delivered through its legislative partners, the state
forestry agencies in 59 states and affiliated territories.
Availability: Funding depends upon annual Congressio-
nal appropriation.
Uses/Applications
• Revitalize city centers, older suburbs, and exurban
areas through green infrastructure planning
• Plant, care for, and utilize trees as part of brownfields
reuse
• Restore degraded rivers
• Plant trees for phytoremediation at brownfield sites
• Provide service learning for youth working in the en-
vironment through the Neighborwoods Program
h ttp://www. fs. fed, us/ucf/index.html
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Blake Velde
USDA Brownfields Coordinator
DA/OPPM/EMD
1400 Independence Ave. SW MS-9100
Washington, DC 20250
202-205-0906
blake.velde@da.usda.gov
Main Web Site
h ttp://www. fs. fed, us
In 1997, the City of Old Town acquired the three-
acre site of a former factory for redevelopment
as part of ongoing efforts to revitalize the down-
town. The site, located on the Penobscot River,
had been cleaned up through removal of asbestos,
underground storage tanks, electrical transformers
containing PCBs, stock tanks, an oil/water separator,
and 2,570 cubic yards of petroleum-contaminated
soil. After identifying landscaping as an important
redevelopment need, the City of Old Town applied
for and received $8,000 from the Forest Service for
tree planting. The landscaping has enhanced the
views of the 9,000-square foot retail building, com-
munity park, playground, and waterfront walkway.
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Department of Commerce—
Economic Development Administration
Mission
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) was
established in 1965 to assist economically distressed areas
of the United States generate jobs, retain existing jobs,
and stimulate industrial and commercial growth. EDA
assistance is available to rural and urban areas experienc-
ing chronic high unemployment or underemployment,
low per capita income, or other severe economic distress.
Traditionally, over half of all EDA resources go to small
towns and rural areas. EDA's mission is to lead the federal
economic development agenda by promoting innovation
and competitiveness and preparing American regions for
growth and success in the worldwide economy.
EDA is authorized to provide broad-spectrum support for
brownfields site assessment, market feasibility studies,
incidental remediation, such as lead and asbestos abate-
ment, and site redevelopment and reuse that furthers
economic growth. EDA typically focuses on the reuse of
brownfields. EDA encourages market-driven brownfields
reuse to return non-productive, blighted, and formerly
contaminated real estate to local tax roles and foster
capital reinvestment that creates jobs at higher skill and
wage levels.
EDA funds brownfields-related projects through its
existing assistance programs. In most years, the major-
ity of investments in brownfields-related projects are
made through EDA's Public Works and Economic Devel-
opment Facilities Program. About a quarter of all EDA
brownfields expenditures occurs through the Economic
Adjustment Assistance Program. Nearly 10 percent of the
brownfields expenditures occurs through the Planning
Program. About five percent of brownfields expenditures
fund Technical Assistance Programs.
Brownfields Connections
• Funds public works and infrastructure enhance-
ments—targeted to state, local, and tribal govern-
ments and public and private nonprofit organizations
• Capitalizes revolving loan funds for state and local
implementation of strategies to attract private sector
investment—targeted to local governments, states,
and regional development organizations
Provides planning grants to economically distressed
states and regions—targeted to state, regional, local,
and tribal governments
Funds infrastructure modernization at closed military
bases—targeted to local governments, development
organizations, and reuse authorities
Finan da I Assist an ce
Public Works and Economic Development
Assistance Program
EDA's support through this assistance program helps
communities revitalize, upgrade, and expand essential
public infrastructure and facilities to attract new indus-
try or business expansion, diversify local economies, and
generate or retain long-term private sector jobs and in-
vestments. The primary goal of these investments is the
creation of new, or the retention of existing, long-term
private sector job opportunities in communities. Such
investments are common in brownfields redevelopment
and include the renovation and reuse of older, generally
publicly owned buildings, as well as the construction of
new infrastructure and facilities on reclaimed sites.
Eligibility Requirements: Eligible applicants in com-
munities experiencing economic decline and distress
include Indian tribes or a consortium of tribes, states,
cities, or other political subdivisions of a state; nonprofit
organizations acting in cooperation with a political sub-
division; and institutions of higher education.
Limitations: Individuals or for-profit entities seeking to
start or expand a private business are not eligible.
Availability: EDA allocated $146,430,000 for the Public
Works and Economic Development Facilities Program in
FY 2008. Proposals are accepted on a continuing basis,
and applications are invited and processed as received.
Uses/Applications:
• Support the construction or rehabilitation of essential
public infrastructure and facilities necessary to gener-
ate or retain private sector jobs and investments, with
brownfields named as an eligible activity
-------
• Support infrastructure for a site, especially to mod-
ernize industrial parks
• Rehabilitate buildings after a site is cleaned or other
similar brick and mortar activities
• Heritage preservation projects
Economic Development Planning Assistance
Program
EDA's investments through the planning assistance pro-
gram help support development, implementation, and
revision of comprehensive economic development strat-
egies (CEDS) and related short-term planning activities.
An EDA-approved CEDS is required for some EDA fund-
ing opportunities. Short-term planning may include area
master plans, geographic information system brown-
fields inventories, and site-specific feasibility studies.
Eligibility Requirements: Eligible applicants in com-
munities experiencing economic decline and distress
include planning organizations, such as Indian tribes or
a consortium of tribes, states, cities, or other political
subdivisions of a state; nonprofit organizations acting in
cooperation with a political subdivision; and institutions
of higher education.
Limitations: Individuals or for-profit entities seeking to
start or expand a private business are not eligible.
Availability: EDA allocated $27,000,000 to the Planning
Program in FY 2008. Proposals are accepted on a con-
tinuing basis and applications are invited and processed
as received.
Uses/Applications:
• Develop, maintain, and implement broad economic
strategies known as CEDS and related short-term
planning activities
• Fund up to 50 percent of planning costs for brownfields
projects, especially projects that will create new jobs
• Integrate brownfields redevelopment into CEDS
Economic Adjustment Assistance Program
This program is designed to respond flexibly to pressing
economic recovery issues. It can provide a variety of as-
sistance to prepare and implement adjustment strategies
in regions experiencing adverse economic changes. An ex-
ample of economic need is a sudden and severe economic
dislocation caused by a manufacturing plant closing.
Eligibility Requirements: Eligible applicants in com-
munities experiencing economic decline and distress in-
clude Indian tribes or consortium of tribes, states, cities,
or other political subdivisions of a state; nonprofit
organizations acting in cooperation with a political
subdivision; and institutions of higher education.
Limitations: Individuals or for-profit entities seeking
to start or expand a private business are not eligible.
Availability: EDA allocated $42,300,000 to the Eco-
nomic Adjustment Assistance Program in FY 2008.
Proposals are accepted on a continuing basis and
applications are invited and processed as received.
Uses/Applications:
• Help communities organize and develop a plan-
ning process, resulting in a CEDS. An EDA-ap-
proved CEDS is a prerequisite for requesting an
EDA funded economic adjustment infrastructure
improvement or revolving loan fund investment,
or other EDA infrastructure investments.
• Help communities implement one or more initia-
tives identified in their EDA-approved CEDS,
including funding brownfields planning, infra-
structure construction, and revolving loan fund
capitalization.
Outreach/Technical Assistance
University, National, and Local Technical
Assistance Program
EDA oversees university center, national, and local
technical assistance programs to promote innovative
approaches that stimulate economic development
and alleviate unemployment, underemployment,
and out-migration in distressed regions. The goal is
to help fill knowledge and information gaps that may
prevent leaders in the public and nonprofit sectors of
economically distressed regions from making opti-
mal decisions on local economic development issues.
Eligibility Requirements: Eligible applicants in
communities experiencing economic decline and
distress include Indian tribes or a consortium of
tribes, states, cities, or other political subdivisions of
a state; nonprofit organizations acting in coopera-
tion with a political subdivision; and institutions of
higher education.
Limitations: Individuals or for-profit entities seeking
to start or expand a private business are not eligible.
Availability: EDA allocated $9,400,000 to the Tech-
nical Assistance Program in FY 2008. Proposals are
accepted on a continuing basis, and applications are
invited and processed as received.
-------
Uses/Applications:
• Finance local market analyses, feasibility studies, and
similar small planning projects necessary to support
site redevelopment, including brownfields reuse. Fea-
sibility studies are an effective tool for determining
whether the market will support a particular activity
or site reuse.
• Disseminate timely information on best practices and
studies of economic development issues of national
significance to practitioners to alleviate economic dis-
tress and promote economic development.
• Invest in institutions of higher education to establish
and operate university centers that conduct applied
research and provide technical assistance to public
and private-sector organizations with the goal of
enhancing local economic development.
Reuse of a centrally located brownfield was key to the
Town of Plainview's economic recovery. Surrounded
by state forest and other public lands, Plainview had
little room to expand. A $763,000 Public Works Grant
from EDA was pivotal in redeveloping the former
Mountain Pine Pressure Treating Superfund site into
the new Plainview Steel facility. EDA partnered with
the Arkansas Department of Economic Development,
which provided $415,000 to Plainview to complete the
project. These grants were used to improve the site and
construct the new steel fabrication building.
Kenneth M. Kukovich, EDA National Brownfields
Coordinator
Room HCHB 7227
1401 Constitution Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20230
202-482-0806
kkukovich@eda.doc.gov
Main Site
http://www.eda.gov
httD://www.eda.aov/AboutEDA/Proarams.xml
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Department of Commerce—
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Mission
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) within the Department of Commerce works to
balance environmental and economic needs at water-
front locations. The National Ocean Service (NOS) of
NOAA provides science-based solutions through col-
laborative partnerships to address evolving economic,
environmental, and social pressures on our oceans and
coasts. NOS delivers the tools and services needed to
understand and respond to the challenges we face along
95,000 miles of shoreline and 3.5 million square miles of
U.S. coastal, Great Lakes, and deep-ocean waters. Thou-
sands of brownfields that were once thriving industrial
facilities are located along coastal waterfronts. With a
coastal focus and experience in solving environmental
challenges, several NOS programs provide resources and
technical assistance to coastal communities that assist
with brownfields cleanup and reuse.
Brownfields Connections
' Provides technical assistance to coastal state, ter-
ritorial, and local governments for coastal resource
protection and management
• Provides expertise to improve cleanup and redevel-
opment and expedite decision-making
• Benefits local economies and improves quality of life
in coastal communities by applying sustainable eco-
nomic development programs
• Sponsors local workshops focusing on brownfields
revitalization that help communities gather input
from all parties involved in the revitalization process,
creating strong partnerships for more efficient action
• Rebuilds community waterfronts and redevelops
brownfields sites through its strong partnerships with
coastal states'coastal zone management programs
• Revitalizes port areas through the use of advanced
marine transportation tools and services
• Helps to improve quality of life, the environment, and
the regional economy by working with local commu-
nities and other agencies on coastal brownfields
Outreach/Technical Assistance
Office of Response and Restoration
As the lead trustee for the public's coastal natural re-
sources, the Office of Response and Restoration (OR&R)
works to prevent and mitigate harm to coastal resources.
OR&R is the primary NOAA office charged with respond-
ing to oil spills, hazardous material releases, and marine
debris. OR&R provides scientific support to the U.S. Coast
Guard for spills and coordinates with other agencies for
hazardous material releases to ensure protection and res-
toration of NOAA trust resources. OR&R also coordinates
with federal, state, and tribal natural resource trustees to
restore damaged coastal resources. Among its specialized
skills, the office forecasts the movement and behavior of
spilled oil and chemicals, evaluates risk to resources, and
recommends protective cleanup actions.
OR&R coordinated the interagency "Portfields" initiative,
which focused on the redevelopment and reuse of idled
or abandoned lands in and around ports, harbors, and
marine transportation hubs. Focused assistance was pro-
vided to four Portfields pilots in New Bedford, Massachu-
setts; Tampa, Florida; Bellingham, Washington; and the
Southern Louisiana Region. The practices and lessons
learned through the pilot projects are being actively
transferred to other port communities.
Eligibility Requirements:
• OR&R addresses threatened natural resources in
coastal areas and watersheds
• Portfields projects focused on the redevelopment of
brownfields in port and harbor areas, with emphasis on
development of environmentally sound port facilities
Limitations: There currently are no plans for additional
Portfields pilots.
Availability: Assistance is limited based on agency priorities.
Uses/Applications:
• Provides training, guidance, and decision-making
tools for specific watersheds, ports, and harbors to
assist coastal communities with the assessment,
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cleanup, and restoration of contaminated coastal
sites (including brownfields)
http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/
Coastal Services Center
The Coastal Services Center (CSC) partners with state
and local organizations to address coastal resource
management issues, particularly the issues of hazards
and coastal development. Each year, the NOAA Coastal
Services Center selects projects that support its overall
mission to foster and sustain the environmental, social,
and economic well being of the nation's coast. Some
projects focus on needs identified by state and local
partners, some projects help other NOAA offices service
the coastal management community, and some proj-
ects explore new issues and technologies expected to
become important over the long term. The Center is a
partner in over 100 ongoing projects geared to resolving
site-specific coastal issues, including brownfields rede-
velopment. The Center also works on projects designed
to benefit the nation's coastal management community
as a whole. These efforts include a training program that
offers numerous classes to meet the technical and man-
agement needs of coastal managers.
Eligibility Requirements: Assistance is provided to state
and local coastal resource managers and federal, non-
governmental, and nonprofit organizations.
Limitations: Projects are selected based on the Center's
strategic priority-setting process.
Uses/Applications:
• Smart Growth initiatives
• Brownfields information outreach
Availability: Assistance is limited based on agency priorities.
http://www.csc.noaa.qou
Michel Gielazyn, Ph.D.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Office of Response & Restoration
c/oU.S. EPA Region 4,11th Floor
Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center
61 Forsyth Street, SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-562-8646
michel.gielazvn@noaa.gov
Main Site
http://www.nooo.qou
NOS provided $2 million for site preparation, design,
and construction of a boathouse, dock, and inter-
pretive trails to help transform Field's Point, a former
city dump on Narragansett Bay, into a community
education center. Save the Bay, a major environ-
mental advocacy organization in Rhode Island,
spearheaded the effort, which included construc-
tion of a complex that features a 15,000 square-foot
classroom and education space—a green building
featuring a living roof and other environmentally
friendly features. Initial cleanup funding was se-
cured from the Rhode Island Economic Develop-
ment Corporation, which lent $700,000 from its own
EPA-capitalized brownfields revolving loan fund.
Nearly 60 other public, private, philanthropic, and
nonprofit entities also funded the project.
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Department of Defense-
Li.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Mission
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE) provides as-
sistance in development and management of the na-
tion's water resources in an environmentally sustainable,
economic, and technically sound manner. The USAGE
provides comprehensive planning, design, construction,
engineering management, and technical support to
the Army and to the nation. Unlike most other agencies
comprising the federal brownfields partnership, USAGE
supports communities by way of specific, Congressional-
ly authorized projects or through water resource-related,
reimbursable ("Support for Others"), engineering activi-
ties. In addition, USAGE responds to engineering-related
brownfields questions and project inquiries from any
community within the U.S. and its territories, for major
water resource-related endeavors. USAGE will guide
communities to appropriate Congressional contacts for
authorization and appropriation support.
Brownfields Connections
' Aligns water resources development and manage-
ment efforts with community brownfields objec-
tives by providing reimbursable technical services
to other federal agencies engaged in brownfields
activities—targeted to local governments working
with federal agencies.
• Executes civil works water resource projects empha-
sizing integrated and sustainable systems-based solu-
tions for ecosystem restoration, inland and coastal
navigation, and flood and storm damage reduction—
targeted to state and local governments.
Outreach/Technical Assistance
Reimbursable Support
USAGE may perform technical oversight and manage-
ment of engineering, environmental, and construction
contracts, including technical assistance for brown-
fields-related activities, for non-Department of Defense
(DOD) federal agencies and states on a reimbursable
basis. The work is fully funded by the customer (e.g.,
local government).
Uses/Applications:
• Technical and project management capabilities for most
water- and land-related natural resources activities
• Engineering, facility design, construction manage-
ment, and other technical services
• Environmental restoration
• Vision to Action Multi-Vision is an innovative inter-
view and visualizing technique for capturing and
integrating individual and community visions; utiliz-
ing impartial professional artists and facilitators.
https://environment.usace.armv.mil/what we do/vta/
Planning Assistance to States (Section 22)
The USAGE provides technical assistance to support state
preparation of comprehensive water and related land
resources development plans, including watershed and
ecosystem planning. The USAGE assists in conducting
individual studies supporting the state plan.
Assistance is given on the basis of state requests and
availability of USAGE expertise rather than through Con-
gressional authorization procedures.
Section 22 cannot be used to supplement other ongo-
ing or pending USAGE efforts, or to offset required state
contributions to Federal grant programs.
Eligibility Requirements: There is general authority for
USAGE to cooperate with states, the District of Columbia,
Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Feder-
ally recognized Indian tribes are included. Reimbursable
support from USAGE is not available to private entities.
Limitations: The non-federal sponsor contributes 50% of
the costs, which may be 100 percent in-kind service for
Section 22 agreements executed after 7 November 2007.
Nationwide annual funds may not exceed $10 million,
with not more than $500,000 in any one year in any one
state or Indian tribe, or not more than $2,000,000 per
State or tribe per year for Section 22 agreements execut-
ed after 7 November 2007.
Availability: The availability of planning assistance de-
pends on appropriations.
Centers of Expertise
There are several USAGE Centers of Expertise whose spe-
cialized capabilities could be helpful in solving specific
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brownfields challenges. These include the Curation and
Management of Archaeological Collection Center, the En-
vironmental and Munitions Center of Expertise (EXCM) the
Photogrammetric Mapping Center, the Preservation of His-
toric Buildings and Structures Center, the Rapid Response
Corps of Engineers Center of Expertise, and the Sustainable
Design and Development Center. Assistance from these
centers is generally available on a reimbursable basis.
Eligibility Requirements: There is general authority for
USACE to cooperate with states, the District of Columbia,
Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Feder-
ally recognized Indian tribes are included. Reimbursable
support from USACE is not available to private entities.
Availability: Priority is given to requests for support that
have national significance.
Uses/Applications:
• Preserve historic buildings and structures
• Rapid response to hazardous, toxic, and radioactive
waste incidents
• Coordinate acid mine drainage cleanup with other
infrastructure issues (e.g., wastewater systems).
Curation and Management of Archaeological
Collections Center of Expertise
Provides technical assistance in the preservation, stor-
age, and management of archaeological and historical
materials and associated documentation
http://www.mvs.usace.armv.mil/engr/curation/home.htm
Photogrammetric Mapping Center
Provides rapid response, full service photogrammetric
mapping support and maintains technical capability and
proficiency in all aspects of photogrammetry.
http://mvs-wc.mvs.usace.armv.mil/tcx.html
Center of Expertise for the Preservation of
Historic Buildings and Structures
Applies academic and practical skills in the fields of his-
tory and architectural history, architecture, and main-
tenance and rehabilitation treatments and serves as
an information clearinghouse. The Center can provide
technical direction to those seeking the best means of
preserving and maintaining historic properties.
http://www.nws.usace.army.mil/PublicMenu/Menu.cfm7sit
ename=historic&pagename=mainpage
Environmental and Munitions Center of Expertise
Remediates properties contaminated with hazardous
waste, radioactive materials, and/or ordnance in compli-
ance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations
striving for sustainability while meeting the current as
well as future needs, safeguarding human health and
safety, improving quality of life, and enhancing the natural
environment. USACE supports military and civil agencies
nationwide in environmental and munitions responses.
http://www.environmental.usace.armv.mil/
Rapid Response Corps of Engineers Center of Expertise
Provides quick response environmental services.
https://environment.usace.armv.mil/downloaddbfile.
cfm ?file id=3B567E61 -1422-2316-74C177CAFFF6718F&CFI
D=24636522&CFTOKEN=35320527
Sustainable Design and Development Center
Provides sustainable solutions in the design and devel-
opment of communities.
h ttps://eko. usace.armv.mil/fa/sdd/
Nancy M. Porter
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Attn: CEMP-PE
441 G Street, NW
Washington, DC 20548
202-761-5092
nancv.m.porter@usace.armv.mil
Main Site
http://www.usace.armv.mil
Program Description and Regional Contacts
httD://environmental.usace.armv.mil/what we do/brownfields
Heifer International, a nonprofit organization dedi-
cated to ending poverty and hunger worldwide, built
its new world headquarters on a 27.5-acre brownfield
site in Little Rock. The site comprises several properties,
including a former rail yard, plating facility, and truck-
ing company, that were contaminated over many years
of use. EPA's Targeted Brownfield Assessment funding
jump-started site assessment activities with USACE
performing critical contracting oversight and field sam-
pling. This set the stage for a number of cleanup and
redevelopment partnerships. It also allowed Heifer to
integrate a range of "green" strategies in the develop-
ment, ranging from maximum use of natural light and
recycled rainwater, to recycling of construction materi-
als and labor-saving landscaping plantings and design.
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Department of Defense—
Office of Economic Adjustment
Mission
The Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA) is the Depart-
ment of Defense's (DOD) primary source for assisting
communities that are adversely impacted by defense
program changes, including base closures, realignments,
or expansions, and contract or program cancellations.
Within OEA, the primary resource for DOD's economic
adjustment projects is the Defense Economic Adjust-
ment program for base realignment and closure (BRAC).
Brownfields Connections
' Provides extensive assistance and information on plan-
ning for the redevelopment of closed military facilities
Technical and Financial Assistance
Community Economic Adjustment Planning
Assistance
Technical guidance and planning grants are provided
to assist local governments or states in preparing re-
development plans for military installations approved
for closure or realignment, which makes surplus fed-
eral property available for civilian redevelopment. OEA
encourages communities to consider existing environ-
mental conditions and integrate cleanup measures in
redevelopment plans. Many base closure actions result
in extensive planning and review of local economic
development goals, so there often is an opportunity to
adapt the concepts and techniques of brownfields rede-
velopment.
Eligibility Requirements: Eligible entities include states,
cities, counties, other political subdivisions of a state,
special purpose unit of state or local government, and
tribal nations. Applicants must provide documentation
that a defense action such as a base closure has occurred
or will occur, the action has imposed or is likely to im-
pose a direct and significant adverse consequence, and
other impact assistance is not available.
Availability: Requests for OEA assistance can be made
by, or on behalf of, state and/or local elected officials.
Annual non-competitive grant awards typically range
from $50,000-$2,000,000.
Uses/Applications:
• Prepare redevelopment plans for surplus military
installation property
David MacKinnon, Associate Director (BRAC)
Office of Economic Adjustment
400 Army Navy Drive
Arlington, VA 22202-4704
703-604-5147
david.mackinnon&wso.whs.mil
Main Site
http://www.oea. aov
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Department of Energy
Mission
The overarching mission of the Department of Energy
(DOE) is to advance the national, economic, and energy
security of the United States; to promote scientific and
technological innovation in support of that mission; and
to ensure the environmental cleanup of the national
nuclear weapons complex.
DOE supports brownfields reuse by providing technical
assistance in the fields of energy use and environmental
remediation. DOE has been the caretaker and manager
of both the facilities that manufactured nuclear weapons
and the property on which those weapons are located.
Many DOE properties lie dormant or idle, due in part to
the downsizing of the military and the closure of nuclear
weapons facilities. Many DOE properties contain low
levels of contamination because they were used as buf-
fer zones for the nuclear weapons facilities, although a
few parcels that were used in the production of nuclear
weapons are highly contaminated.
Brownfields Connections
' Promotes redevelopment that incorporates energy
efficiency, renewable energy, and distributed-energy
technologies at brownfields sites
• Develops regional relationships with federal and state
partners to address site or brownfields issues
• Provides technical assistance in the field of environ-
mental cleanup and stabilization
DOE/Legacy Management has taken significant steps to
ensure that its environmental and human legacy respon-
sibilities are properly managed for current and future
generations by:
• Protecting human health and the environment
through effective and efficient long-term surveillance
and maintenance
• Preserving and protecting legacy records and in-
formation, and effectively communicating with the
public
• Sustaining the continuity of workers' pension and
medical benefits
• Managing legacy land and assets while emphasizing
safety, reuse, and disposition
DOE/Legacy Management and the Dr. Samuel P. Massie
Chairs of Excellence Program provide technical and
grant-writing assistance to small towns located around
DOE sites. The assistance includes developing a brown-
fields strategy, drafting the initial concept, writing por-
tions of the proposal, and conducting research to support
the project need. The Massie Chairs support is conducted
as part of the DOE Environmental Justice Program.
Outreach/Technical Assistance
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy, Building Technologies Program
The Building Technologies Program (BTP) funds re-
search and technology development to reduce com-
mercial and residential building energy use. The pro-
gram is working to achieve the goal of net-zero energy
buildings, which annually produce as much energy as
they consume. BTP works with national laboratories and
industry partners to achieve this goal. The resources
available through BTP can help ensure that once brown-
fields cleanup is achieved, redevelopment is energy
efficient and sustainable.
Eligibility Requirements: In carrying out its vision and
mission, BTP conducts a broad portfolio of activities to
help make residential and commercial buildings more
energy efficient, productive, and affordable. Research,
development, demonstration, and technology transfer
is conducted in partnership with industry, government
agencies, universities, and national laboratories that are
often designed as cost-shared projects.
Limitations: Most of the research conducted by the
program is funded through competitive solicitations
with partners. The program selects its research part-
ners and projects based on factors such as energy
savings potential, likelihood of success, and alignment
with the recommendations of industry-developed
technology roadmaps.
Availability: In fiscal year 2007, federal funding of more
than $574 million was awarded to businesses, industries,
universities, and others through Office of Energy Efficien-
cy and Renewable Energy financial assistance programs.
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Uses/Applications:
• Provide research, development, and deployment of
energy-efficient building technologies and practices
• Strengthen and improve building codes, appliance
and equipment standards, and guidelines for efficient
energy use
• Educate homeowners, builders, and developers—
through such programs as ENERGY STAR®—about the
benefits of embracing energy-efficient technologies
and practices
http://www.eere.energv.gov/buildings/
Office of Environmental Management
The Office of Environmental Management (EM) is re-
sponsible for the remediation of contaminated sites. It
manages the largest environmental cleanup program in
the world, originally involving over 2 million acres at 108
sites in 35 states. The office works with local communi-
ties and stakeholders to facilitate the transition of the
cleaned up sites to future beneficial uses, which range
from nature preserves to industrial parks. EM is working
with other DOE offices to explore the establishment of
energy parks on former weapons complex sites. These
energy parks will serve as an important tool in meeting
the critical energy, environmental, and economic chal-
lenges facing our nation. Resources include overview
articles, slide shows, links to other sources of informa-
tion, and educational materials.
Limitations: Program activities are limited to contami-
nated nuclear weapons manufacturing and testing sites
across the United States.
Uses/Applications:
• Provide leadership and develop mission strategies,
policy, and guidance for DOE's environmental cleanup
program and associated activities at DOE sites
• Manage and provides policy direction to EM field ele-
ments and other DOE sites across the complex
• Provide for long-term planning for those sites under
EM jurisdiction
• Manage corrective activities at sites specifically under
EM jurisdiction to bring them into compliance with
external regulatory requirements and internal DOE
requirements
• Manage the transition of contaminated DOE facilities
from the initial shutdown, to decontamination and
decommissioning, to the eventual disposition
• Serve as the Environmental Management Acquisition
Executive; ensures that EM promotes Small Business
initiatives across the complex
http://www.em. doe.gov/Daaes/emhome.asDX
Melinda Downing LM-1
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Legacy Management
1000 Independence Avenue, SW
Room 6G-041
Washington, DC 20585
202-586-7703
melinda.downing@hq.doe.gov
Main Site
http://www.energv.gov
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
http://www.eere.enerqy.qou
The Mine-Scarred Lands (MSL) Working Group is a
collaborative group of six federal agencies develop-
ing models for cleanup and reuse of mine-scarred
lands. The MSL work group is supporting research
into the feasibility of renewable energy production
opportunities on a reclaimed gold mine in Beatty,
Nevada. Previous studies show that the Beatty area
has solar energy potential that ranks among the
highest in the United States and has potential for
wind power generation. Additionally, Nevada offers
a government and business climate that supports
renewable energy. DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency
and Renewable Energy has provided significant
federal support for this project by engaging energy-
related stakeholders, gathering research data, and
committing funding for future research on the feasi-
bility of renewable energy reproduction.
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Department of Health and Human Services-
Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry
Mission
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
(ATSDR) is a federal public health agency that seeks to
prevent disease and harmful exposures to hazardous
substances in the environment. ATSDR conducts site-re-
lated public health assessments or health consultations,
health studies, and health education mainly through
cooperative agreements with other federal agencies
and state and local public health departments.
ATSDR provides technical assistance and may over-
see evaluations and related public health activities
performed by state or local staff at environmentally
contaminated sites in states that have cooperative
agreements. The extent of ATSDR's involvement at an
individual site depends on the health issues, the ability
of ATSDR's state and local health department partners
to adequately address those issues, and ATSDR's re-
source capabilities.
The Brownfields Law provided a public health focus on
the impacts of brownfields, particularly in disadvan-
taged communities and among sensitive populations.
One facet of this public health focus urges local govern-
ments to monitor the health of populations exposed to
hazardous substances from brownfields and to enforce
institutional controls that prevent human exposure to
those substances.
Brownfields Connections
' Creates partnerships to assess and build the capacity
of public health agencies to participate in brown-
fields redevelopment while enhancing their under-
standing of the need for health care access in com-
munities affected by brownfields
• Works with partners and community stakeholders to
provide technical assistance on risk and health assess-
ments, health consultations, and other support for
brownfields
• Provides national leadership to health agencies work-
ing on brownfields
• Provides training on environmental health impacts on
minority communities
Provides independent reviews and assessments of
environmental sampling data and health and commu-
nity information in order to determine if past, current,
or future exposure to hazardous substances might
have public health consequences
ATSDR provides financial and technical assistance to
identify and evaluate environmental health issues associ-
ated with brownfields land reuse sites. These resources
enable state and local health departments to further
investigate environmental health concerns and edu-
cate communities.
Finan da I Assist an ce
Community Health Projects Related to
Brownfield/Land Reuse
ATSDR's support through this assistance program em-
phasizes identifying health issues prior to redevelop-
ment and/or assessing changes in community health
associated with reuse plans and redevelopment. Proj-
ects could include but are not limited to the evaluation
of environmental contaminant exposures, identification
of health indicators of sustainability (pre- and post-
redevelopment), conducting risk communication and
health education, or conducting geospatial analysis.
The program intends to stimulate collaboration among
stakeholders to ensure that public health is considered
in the earliest phases of remediation and redevelop-
ment of brownfield properties.
Eligibility: ATSDR can only fund health departments or
their bona fide agents of states, the District of Colum-
bia, U.S. territories, and recognized tribal governments.
Limitations: Funds may not be used for research or
clinical care. ATSDR occasionally provides funds to
health departments, universities, nonprofit groups, or
vendors to conduct activities, sponsor meetings, or
provide needed services that support ATSDR's mission,
but not under this assistance program.
Availability: ATSDR allocated $150,000 for this program
in 2009. The ceiling for individual awards is $75,000.
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Outreach/Technical Assistance
Review and Assess Environmental Sampling Data
Through ATSDR's cooperative partnerships, the agency
can review and assess environmental sampling data
and other site-related information.
Health-Related Information Sharing
ATSDR can provide health-related information on spe-
cific hazardous substances; coordinate a response to a
real or perceived elevated incidence of disease near a
site; and help individual workers or community mem-
bers find experienced, private medical attention for
significant hazardous substance exposure.
Steven L Jones, ATSDR Liaison Office to EPA Headquarters
Division of Regional Operations
1200 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Ariel Rios Building - MC#5204P
Washington, DC 20460
703-603-8729
sxj6@cdc.gov
Deborah E. Burgin, ATSDR Liaison Office to EPA Headquarters
Division of Regional Operations
1201 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Ariel Rios Building - MC#5204P
Washington, DC 20460
703-603-8813
hrsT@cdc.gov
Ryan P. Costello, ATSDR Liaison Office to EPA Headquarters
Division of Regional Operations
1201 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Ariel Rios Building - MC#5204P
Washington, DC 20460
703-603-8766
hdu2@cdc.gov
Tina Forrester, Division Director
ATSDR Division of Regional Operations
Mailstop F58
4770 Buford Hwy, NE
Atlanta, GA 30341
770-488-3788
txf5@cdc.gov
Main Site
http://www.atsdr.cdc.ciov
The City of St. Petersburg acquired the former Mercy
Hospital site (closed in 1966), to construct the John-
nie Ruth-Clarke Hospital and Health Care Center. The
$4.7 million redevelopment included restoration of
the original hospital building and construction of a
24,000-square-foot addition. St. Petersburg put up
the initial $450,000 investment in the project from the
city's Community Development Block Grant to help
with site preparation and cleanup. This set the stage
for HHS to provide $3.7 million for construction of a
medical clinic, which will play a major role in meeting
the healthcare needs of the surrounding low-income
neighborhoods. Development of this brownfield has
helped preserved a neighborhood center while pro-
viding health care opportunities for the community.
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Department of Health and Human Services-
National Institute of Environmental Health
Sciences, National Institutes of Health
Mission
The mission of the National Institute of Environmental
Health Sciences (NIEHS) is to reduce the burden of hu-
man illness and disability by understanding how the
environment influences the development and progres-
sion of human disease. The NIEHS is expanding and
accelerating its contributions to scientific knowledge of
human health and the environment, and to the health
and well-being of people everywhere.
The NIEHS's Worker Education and Training Program
supports the training and education of workers engaged
in activities related to hazardous materials and waste
generation, removal, containment, transportation, and
emergency response. The NIEHS Brownfields Minority
Workers Program (BMWTP) has been positively chang-
ing lives and communities for years. BMWTP reached
out to train disadvantaged minority residents in brown-
fields communities from 1998 until 2007 as an expan-
sion of our successful Minority Worker Training Program
(MWTP). In 2007, the BMWTP ended, and most training
under NIEHS to target brownfields job training is now
conducted under the MWTP.
Brownfields Connections
' In collaboration with EPA's Brownfields Federal Part-
nership Action Agenda, conducts the MWTP to assist
communities by addressing the need for a more com-
prehensive training program to foster economic and
environmental restoration of brownfields.
• Conducts the MWTP to increase the recruitment
and training of under-represented minorities in the
field of hazardous waste remediation, emergency
response, construction, and green jobs. Individuals
living near hazardous waste sites or in the community
at risk of exposure to contaminated properties are
targeted, with the specific focus of training them to
be safe while working to clean up their communities
in the environmental and construction fields.
• Conducts a hazardous waste worker training program
for training and education of workers engaged in ac-
tivities related to hazardous waste removal, contain-
ment, and emergency response.
Provides grants to small business concerns under
the Advanced Training Technology (ATT) program to
develop products for the health and safety training
of hazardous materials workers, emergency respond-
ers, and skilled support personnel.This program is
also called the SBIR/STTR E-Learning Program (Small
Business Innovative Research (SBIR)/Small Business
Technology Transfer (STTR) program).
In coordination with EPA, conducts the Superfund
Research Program, a network of university grants that
are designed to seek solutions to the complex health
and environmental issues associated with the nation's
hazardous waste sites.
Outreach/Technical Assistance
NIEHS Worker Education and Training Program
The NIEHS Worker Education and Training Program
supports the training and education of workers engaged
in activities related to hazardous materials and waste
generation, removal, containment, transportation, and
emergency response. Its mission is to fund nonprofit
organizations with a demonstrated track record of
providing occupational safety and health education
in developing and delivering high-quality training to
workers in handling hazardous waste or in responding
to emergency releases of hazardous materials. Among
the program areas are the Hazardous Waste Worker
Training, Minority Worker Training, Hazmat Disaster Pre-
paredness Training, DOE Nuclear WorkerTraining, and
ATT programs.
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/careers/hazmat/index.cfm
Hazardous Waste Worker Training Program
Hazardous material and waste workers include workers
engaged in active and inactive waste treatment, storage
and disposal, hazardous waste generation, clean up and
remedial action, emergency response, as well as workers
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engaged in hazardous materials transportation, includ-
ing the safe loading, unloading, handling, and storage.
In completing the 21 st year of the WETP (FY 1987-2009),
the HWWTP has supported 18 primary awardees. They
represent more than 80 different institutions that have
trained more than 2 million workers across the country.
They have presented over 99,600 classroom and hands-
on training courses, which have accounted for more than
23 million contact hours of actual training. More infor-
mation about the awardees and descriptions of all NIEHS
WETP programs can be found at: http://www.niehs.nih.
gov/careers/hazmat/.
Eligibility Requirements: The following organizations/
institutions are eligible to apply:
• Public/state-controlled institutions of higher education
• Private institutions of higher education
• Hispanic-serving institutions
• Historically black colleges and universities
• Tribally controlled colleges and universities
• Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions
• Nonprofits with 501 (c)(3) IRS Status (other than insti-
tutions of higher education)
Limitations: A request for applications is released every
five years for a five-year funding period. The current
grant cycle is 2005-2009 with the next grant cycle to be
2010-2015.
Availability: It is anticipated that in fiscal year 2010,
approximately $21,000,000 will be allocated to this
program.
Uses/Applications:
• Train and educate workers engaged in activities re-
lated to hazardous waste removal, containment, and
emergency response
• Conduct special training for workers who may be
exposed to unique or special hazards
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/careers/hazmat/programs/
hwwt/index.cfm
Minority Worker Training Program
The Minority Worker Training Program (MWTP) was
established in 1995 to provide a series of national pilot
programs to test a range of strategies for recruiting and
training young persons wanting to work in the envi-
ronmental field. These youth may live near hazardous
waste sites or in communities at risk of exposure from
contaminated properties. Over the years, the program
evolved and now is focused on delivering comprehen-
sive training to increase the number of disadvantaged
and under-represented minority workers in the fields of
environmental restoration and hazardous materials. The
program represents a broad geographic distribution and
reaches several urban populations in high-risk contami-
nated areas.
The MWTP promotes long-lasting, effective partnerships
in minority communities, which helps reinforce occupa-
tional health and worker education. Various programs
provide pre-employment job training, including literacy,
life skills, and environmental preparation, as well as
green jobs, construction skills training, and environ-
mental worker training (e.g., hazardous waste, asbestos
abatement, lead abatement, and health and safety train-
ing). Some training also includes enrollment in appren-
ticeship programs for construction and environmental
remediation worker training. In addition, particular focus
is placed on establishing a program of mentoring. This
helps to enhance the participants' problem-solving skills,
individual self esteem, and teamwork in the application
of technical knowledge to environmental problems. The
MWTP promotes partnerships or sub-agreements with
academic and other institutions, with a particular focus
on historically black colleges and universities, as well
as public schools and community-based organizations
located in or near the impacted area. These institutions
provide pre-math, science, and other related education
to program participants prior to or concurrent with entry
into the training program.
Since the inception of the program, 4,201 minority adults
have been successfully trained in worker health and
safety for construction and environmental cleanup work.
A total of 2,809 of these trainees are employed, repre-
senting an overall job placement rate of 67 percent.
The Brownfields Minority Worker Training program
(BMWTP) no longer is a separate program component.
The training of workers near brownfields sites is now
conducted under the MWTP. However, during its opera-
tion, the BMWTP reached 3,272 minority adults, 2,314
of whom are employed, representing an overall job
placement rate of 71 percent. As part of the Depart-
ment of Health and Human Services'commitment to the
Brownfields National Partnership Agenda, the NIEHS will
continue to support training targeting the brownfields
communities under the MWTP.
Overall, these programs have achieved great success in
moving young workers into long-term employment in-
cluding, most recently, in the area of energy retrofitting
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and solar panel installation. Since 1995, these programs
have trained over 7,400 students and employed ap-
proximately 68 percent of those students in jobs directly
related to their training.
Eligibility Requirements: The following organizations
and institutions are eligible to apply:
• Public/state-controlled institutions of higher education
• Private institutions of higher education
• Hispanic-serving institutions
• Historically black colleges and universities
• Tribally controlled colleges and universities
• Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institu-
tions
• Nonprofits with 501 (c)(3) IRS status (Other than insti-
tutions of higher education)
Limitations: A request for applications is released every
five years for a five-year funding period. The current
grant cycle is 2005-2009 with the next grant cycle to be
2010-2015.
Availability: It is anticipated in fiscal year 2010, approxi-
mately $3,500,000 will be was allocated to this program.
Uses/Applications:
• Targets recruitment of under-represented minor-
ity residents who live in urban areas near hazardous
waste sites or in communities at risk of exposure to
contaminated properties for work in the environmen-
tal field cleaning up their communities
• Provide pre-employment job training, including
literacy, life skills, environmental preparation, green
jobs, and other related courses for construction skills
training
• Provide safety and health training in areas such as
environmental worker training, including hazardous
waste, asbestos, and lead abatement training
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/careers/hazmat/programs/mwt/
index.cfm
Hazmat Disaster Preparedness Training Program
NIEHS has developed a Hazmat Disaster Preparedness
Training Program (HDPTP) initiative in response to the
experiences and lessons learned in recent national disas-
ters, including terrorist attacks. This program enhances
the training of current hazardous materials workers and
chemical responders, trains skilled response person-
nel, creates training materials, and delivers training to
workers responding to a disaster, and augment preven-
tion preparedness efforts in a wide variety of high-risk
settings. This initiative is intended to foster the develop-
ment of disaster-specific training programs as an exten-
sion to the HWWTP for the purpose of preparing a cadre
of experienced workers for prevention and response to
future terrorist incidents in a wide variety of facilities
and high-risk operations. The purpose of the HDPTP is
to complement the Department of Homeland Security's
various preparedness training programs by enhanc-
ing the safety and health training capacity of hazmat
workers and emergency responders to prevent, deter,
or respond to terrorist incidents involving weapons of
mass destruction. Since the program started in 2005,
awardees have responded to Hurricanes Katrina and
Rita and the 2007 California wildfires. There have been
approximately 1,948 courses offered, for 27,108 workers,
representing 302,796 contact hours of training.
Training developed under this program should reference
the National Incident Management System (NIMS) stan-
dardized incident management processes, protocols, and
procedures that all responders - Federal, state, tribal,
and local - will use to coordinate and conduct response
actions.
Eligibility Requirements: The following organizations/
institutions are eligible to apply:
• Public/state-controlled institutions of higher education
• Private institutions of higher education
• Hispanic-serving institutions
• Historically black colleges and universities
• Tribally controlled colleges and universities
• Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions
• Nonprofits with 501 (c)(3) IRS Status (other than insti-
tutions of higher education)
Limitations: A request for applications is released every
five years for a five-year funding period. The current
grant cycle is 2005-2009 with the next grant cycle to be
2010-2015.
Availability: In fiscal year 2010, approximately
$2,500,000 will be allocated to this program.
Uses/Applications and Areas of Program Response may
include:
• A proposed disaster response training program
should focus on health and safety and environmen-
tal issues and should include at a minimum a review
of National Incident Management System (NIMS),
emergency response protocols, hazard communica-
tion, personal protection equipment and respiratory
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protection, Incident Command System orientation,
and first aid training.
• In support of WETP, trainers may need to be NIMS-
compliant and should take appropriate identified
courses to meet the requirements of the standards
established at a disaster site.
• Enhanced training for current hazardous material
workers and chemical responders who protect the na-
tion's infrastructure from potential terrorist attacks on
chemical-intensive operations is a continuing high-
priority national need.
• Training for skilled response personnel to ensure
appropriate response and remediation actions to
bio-terrorist attacks using weaponized microbials is a
high-priority area for training program response. The
OSHA designation of anthrax response coverage by
1910.120 regulations (http://www.osha.gov/dep/an-
thmx/hasp/index.html} identifies a clear target train-
ing population.
• Training initiatives should support the development
of a nation-wide cadre of well-trained environmen-
tal response workers and emergency responders
to ensure that the nation is prepared to respond to
future disasters of national significance. This train-
ing should be patterned after the successful Hazard-
ous Waste Worker Training Program that provides
worker certification.
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/careers/hazmat/programs/hdpt/
index.cfm
Advanced Technology Training Program
The Advanced Technology Training (ATT) program focus-
es on the development of products for health and safety
training of hazardous materials workers, emergency
responders, and skilled support personnel. Advanced
technology training includes electronic learning com-
ponents such as distance learning, interactive TV, and
computer-based training. To further enhance its ability
to commercialize ATT products relevant to health and
safety training, this initiative develops technology-
driven commercial products using the Small Business
Innovative Research/Small Business Technology Trans-
fer programs.
Eligibility Requirements: Eligible entities are U.S. small
business concerns.
Availability: Funding is available every year. Estimated
funds available in fiscal year 2009 were $400,000 for four
projects awarded. Up to $100,000 per year for Phase I
may be requested. Budgets of $200,000 per year may be
requested for Phase II.
Uses/Applications:
• Provide ATT products for health and safety training
such as electronic learning, distance learning, virtual
reality training simulations, and interactive television
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/careers/hazmat/programs/att/
index.cfm
Superfund Research Program
The Superfund Research Program is a network of uni-
versity grants that are designed to seek solutions to the
complex health and environmental issues associated
with the nation's hazardous waste sites. One goal of the
program is to improve public health by supporting inte-
grative research that is multidisciplinary and is capable
of identifying, assessing, and evaluating the potential
health effects of exposure to hazardous substances.
Another goal is to develop innovative chemical, physical,
and biological technologies for reducing potential expo-
sure to hazardous substances. The research conducted is
a coordinated effort with the EPA.
Eligibility Requirements: Eligible entities include accred-
ited domestic institutions of higher education.
Availability: Funding is available approximately every
year. Approximately $11 million will be funded in four to
five grants in fiscal year 2010.
Uses/Applications:
• Support research to identify, assess, and evaluate the
potential health effects of exposure to hazardous sub-
stances and to develop innovative chemical, physical,
and biological technologies for reducing potential
exposure to hazardous substances
• Develop methods and technologies to detect hazard-
ous substances in the environment
• Develop advanced techniques for detecting, assess-
ing, and evaluating the effect on human health of
hazardous substances
• Develop methods to assess the risks to human health
presented by hazardous substances
• Develop basic biological, chemical, and physical
methods to reduce the amount and toxicity of hazard-
ous substances
http://www.niehs.nih.ciov/research/suDDorted/srD/index.cfm
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Sharon D. Beard, Industrial Hygienist
Worker Education and Training Program
Division of Extramural Research and Training
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences,
NIH, DHHS
P.O. Box12233, MDK3-14
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2233
919-541-1863
beard T@niehs.nih.gov
Joseph (Chip) Hughes, Director
Worker Education and Training Program
Division of Extramural Research and Training
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH,
DHHS
P.O. Box12233, MDK3-14
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2233
919-541-0462
hughes3@niehs.nih.gov
Main Site
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/
Jobs for Youth Networks (JFY) was awarded EPA
Brownfields Job Training Pilot grants in 1998 and
2003. JFY recruits trainees from low-income com-
munities in and around Boston, Massachusetts.
JFY also leveraged a $90,000-grant from NIEHS to
expand the environmental technician program and
cover some the operating expenses. Once complet-
ing the program, trainees—many of whom live in
neighborhoods impacted by brownfields—obtain
entry-level environmental positions. These positions
are available to assist with local brownfields assess-
ment and cleanup projects.
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Department of Health and Human Services-
Office of Community Services
Mission
The Office of Community Services (OCS) works in part-
nerships with states, communities, and other agencies
to address the economic and social services needs of
the urban and rural poor at the local level by providing
grant monies and technical assistance to these organi-
zations. The goal of the programs administered by OCS
is to increase the capacity of individuals and families to
become self-sufficient and to revitalize communities.
Brownfields Connection
' Provides grants to community development corpora-
tions and community action agencies for brownfields
redevelopment and job creation projects
Finan da I Assist an ce
Job Opportunities for Low-Income Individuals
Job Opportunities for Low-Income Individuals (JOLI) is
a job creation program that awards funds to nonprofit
organizations that create new full-time employment.
Program funds are awarded under three project strate-
gies: 1) new business ventures; 2) business expansion;
and 3) self-employment/micro-enterprise projects.
Eligibility Requirements: Eligible entities include non-
profit organizations, including community development
corporations, faith-based, charitable organizations, and
tribal organizations.
Limitations: Projects must create new permanent
full-time employment opportunities. A minimum of
20 percent of the JOLI funds must be allotted to direct
financial assistance to program participants for creating
or expanding a business.
Availability: Approximately $5,300,000 is appropriated
annually, and approximately 10 grants are awarded
per fiscal year. Grant awards are approved for up to a
three-year project period. The maximum grant award is
$500,000 for the full project period. A minimum of 20
percent of the total JOLI funds received must be used to-
wards the provision of direct financial assistance to par-
ticipants. Financial assistance may be provided through
the use of a revolving loan fund or the provision of direct
cash assistance to a micro-enterprise/self-employed
business owner. There is no funding match requirement;
however, OCS requires documentation of all non-JOLI
funding necessary for the successful completion of the
funded project.
Uses/Applications:
• Create new employment opportunities for low in-
come individuals
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/joli/index.html
Community Economic Development Program
The Community Economic Development Program pro-
vides funds to create employment and business devel-
opment opportunities for low-income residents.
Eligibility Requirements: Eligible applicants include pri-
vate, nonprofit organizations that are community devel-
opment corporations, including faith-based, charitable,
tribal, and Alaskan-native organizations.
Availability: About $31.5 million was available in 2009
for approximately 40 grants.
Uses/Applications:
• Start-up or expansion of businesses
• Capital expenditures, such as the purchase of equip-
ment or real property
• Operating expenses
• Equity investments
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/ced/index.html
Community Services Block Grant Program
The Community Services Block Grant program provides
block grants to states, territories, Indian tribes, and tribal
organizations for the amelioration of the causes and
conditions of poverty in communities. Funds support
a range of services and activities to assist low-income
individuals.
Eligibility Requirements: Grants are sub-awarded to
local community-based organizations called Community
Action Agencies.
Availability: Grants are determined by a statutory for-
mula based on population. Some $700 million was avail-
able in 2009 under the regular program.
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Uses/Applications:
• Employment services
• Education and Training
• Income management assistance
• Emergency services
• Housing assistance
• Nutrition Services
http://www.ac/ihhs.gou/programs/ocs/csbg/
Outreach/Technical Assistance
Rural Community Facilities
The Rural Community Facilities program supports low-
income rural communities in the development of afford-
able, safe water and wastewater treatment facilities.
Eligibility Requirements: Nonprofit organizations (in-
cluding community development corporations, faith-
based, charitable organizations, and tribal organizations)
are eligible.
Availability: Approximately $8.5 million was available in
2009 for seven grants.
Uses/Applications:
• Provide training and technical assistance in develop-
ing and managing water facilities in rural areas
• Improve the coordination of federal, state, and local
agencies in water and wastewater management
• Assist communities in obtaining financing for their
facilities and distributing information
h ttD://www.acf.hhs.aov/Droamms/ocs/rf/index. h tml
Yolanda J. Butler, Ph.D., Acting Director
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Office of Community Services
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W.
Washington, DC 20201
202-401-9333
volanda.butler@acf.hhs.gov
Main Site
http;//www.oc/;r)r)s.qoy/proqroms/ocs/
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Department of Housing and Urban Development
Mission
The overall mission of the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD) is to increase homeown-
ership, support community development, and increase
access to affordable housing free from discrimination.
HUD has seven brownfield-applicable programs:
• Community Development Block Grant Program
(includes the Entitlement Communities program and
several non-entitlement communities programs)
• Neighborhood Stabilization Program
• Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program
• Brownfields Economic Development Initiative
• Renewal Communities/Empowerment Zones Initiative
• HOME Investment Partnerships Program
• Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Grant Program
Brownfields Connections
' Provides block grants and competitive awards to state
and local governments for revitalizing communities
• Provides grants to communities hardest hit by foreclo-
sures and delinquencies to stabilize neighborhoods
• Offers federally guaranteed loans to state and local
governments for large economic development and
revitalization projects in communities
• Provides incentives for private investment in low-in-
come or distressed areas of HUD-designated Renewal
Communities and Empowerment Zones
• Provides block grants to state and local governments
for meeting safe and affordable housing needs in
developed areas
Finan da I Assist an ce
Community Development Block Grant Program
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
program provides direct grants to 1,180 Entitlement
Communities and, through grants to the states, to many
smaller, non-entitlement communities. Entitlement Com-
munities include cities with more than 50,000 residents
and urban counties with more than 200,000 residents.
Populations of non-entitlement communities fall below
these thresholds. Entitlement communities administer
their own programs and have broad discretion in the se-
lection of activities that they carry out each year. States
have broad discretion in the method of distribution of
funds to non-entitlement local governments. HUD makes
grants directly to non-entitlement communities in Ha-
waii and four U.S. territories. The states of Texas, Arizona,
California, and New Mexico set aside up to 10 percent of
their state funds to assist colonias, which are communi-
ties on the U.S.-Mexican border that require assistance to
maintain sanitary housing, water, and sewage systems.
CDBG plays a vital role in many local brownfields re-
use strategies. Brownfields contribute to eroding eco-
nomic conditions, creation of blight, and reduction of
economic opportunities for low-to-moderate-income
persons. Therefore, the use of CBDG funds to revitalize
brownfields often meets the program's mission to help
low- and moderate-income people or eliminate blight.
The program increasingly has driven economic develop-
ment activities, including brownfields redevelopment,
that have the potential to stimulate job and business
opportunities in low-income and blighted communities.
CDBG addresses smaller neighborhood-based projects as
well as larger projects, where initial resource injections are
needed to help with site cleanup and related preparation.
HUD funding can be used for the assessment and cleanup
of all types of contaminants, abatement of asbestos and
lead-based paint, and necessary redevelopment activities
like demolition. Local government grant recipients have
considerable flexibility in deciding how to use CDBG funds,
as long as they meet basic eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Requirements: CDBG-funded activities must
meet one of the program's three objectives: 1) princi-
pally benefit low- and moderate-income persons; 2)
prevent or eliminate slums or blight; or 3) meet other
urgent community development needs. Eligible Entitle-
ment Communities are cities with populations of at least
50,000 and qualified urban counties with populations
of 200,000. Funding is awarded by HUD on a formula
basis. Eligible non-entitlement communities are cities
with populations less than 50,000 and qualified urban
counties with populations less than 200,000. Funding
is awarded by the states based on state priorities and
selection criteria.
Limitations: The acquisition, construction, and recon-
struction of buildings for government operations are not
eligible. Expenses for general government operations
also are not eligible.
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Availability: Congress appropriated about $3.9 billion
for the CDBG program for fiscal year 2009, including set-
asides. HUD distributes 70 percent of the CDBG formula
appropriations to more than 1,180 entitlement com-
munities, and the remaining 30 percent of the formula
funds go to the states for distribution to non-entitle-
ment small cities and counties.
Uses/Applications:
• Prepare plans for redevelopment or revitalization of
brownfields
• Acquire real property
• Conduct environmental site assessment
• Clean up contamination
• Clear sites and demolish and remove buildings
• Rehabilitate public and private buildings
• Construct public works, including street, water, and
sewer infrastructure and community buildings
• Conduct activities relating to energy conservation
and renewable energy resources
• Provide assistance to profit-motivated businesses to
carry out economic development and job creation/
retention activities
http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitvdevelopment/
progmms/index.cfm
Neighborhood Stabilization Program
The Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) was
established by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act
(HERA) of 2008 for the purpose of stabilizing communi-
ties that have suffered from foreclosures and abandon-
ment. Grant funds are provided for the purchase and
redevelopment of foreclosed and abandoned homes
and residential properties. NSP is designed to help com-
munities purchase properties that may be deteriorating
or contaminated, and make the properties available for
rent or sale. NSP grantees develop their own programs
and funding priorities. Communities with NSP grants can
convert contaminated properties into light industrial, re-
tail, or commercial operations. Grantees can create "land
banks" to assemble, temporarily manage, and dispose of
vacant land for the purpose of stabilizing neighborhoods
and encouraging redevelopment of property. Grantees
also can leverage grant funds to mobilize non-profit or-
ganizations to help revitalize neighborhoods. NSP fund-
ing is being administered through the CDBG program.
Eligibility Requirements: All states, territories, and local
governments are eligible for NSP funding. Funding has
been allocated based on a formula.
Limitations: All activities must benefit low and moder-
ate-income persons. Twenty-five percent of funds must
benefit very low-income persons (individuals or families
whose incomes do not exceed 50 percent of an area's
median income).
Availability: HUD has allocated $3.92 billion based on a
formula to 309 grantees, including 55 states and terri-
tories and 254 selected local governments. Funds were
distributed according to a jurisdiction's relative level of
foreclosure activity since 2005.
Uses/Applications:
• Purchase and rehabilitate homes and residential prop-
erties that have been abandoned or foreclosed
• Establish land banks for foreclosed homes
• Demolish blighted structures
• Redevelop demolished or vacant properties
http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitvdevelopment/
progmms/neighborhoodspg/index.cfm
Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program
Section 108 provides communities with a source of
financing for economic development, housing rehabilita-
tion, public facilities, and large-scale physical develop-
ment projects. Section 108 is the loan guarantee provi-
sion of the CDBG program. Local governments borrowing
funds guaranteed by Section 108 must pledge their
current and future CDBG allocations to cover the loan
amount as security for the loan. Section 108 allows com-
munities to capitalize large revitalization projects that
can renew entire neighborhoods. Such public investment
often is needed to encourage private economic invest-
ment in distressed areas. Several cities have made the 108
program a focal point of their local brownfields strategies.
Eligibility Requirements: Eligible entities include CDBG
entitlement and non-entitlement community recipients.
Non-entitlement cities of less than 50,000 people are not
eligible to apply on their own. Instead, they must apply
through their state or an urban county, who pledge fu-
ture CDBG allocations as collateral. To determine eligible
uses of funds, the CDBG rules and requirements apply. As
with the CDBG program, all projects and activities must
either principally benefit low- and moderate-income per-
sons, aid in the elimination or prevention of slums and
blight, or meet urgent needs of the community.
Limitations: CDBG Entitlement Community recipients
and states may borrow an amount equal to five times the
recipients'latest CDBG entitlement grant. The maximum
repayment period for a Section 108 loan is twenty years.
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Availability: HUD has $275 million in new and carryover
guarantee authority available for fiscal year 2009.
Uses/Applications:
• Economic development activities and housing reha-
bilitation eligible under CDBG
• Acquisition of real property (including brownfields)
• Rehabilitation of publicly owned real property (in-
cluding brownfields)
• Construction, reconstruction, or installation of public
facilities (including street, sidewalk, and other site
improvements)
• Related relocation, clearance, and site improvements
• Payment of interest on the guaranteed loan and issu-
ance costs of public offerings
• Debt service reserves
• Public works and site improvements in colonias
• Housing construction in limited circumstances
http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/
programs/108/
Brownfields Economic Development Initiative
The Brownfields Economic Development Initiative (BEDI)
is a competitive grant program intended to stimulate
and promote economic and community development.
BEDI is designed to assist cities with the redevelopment
of brownfields and the increase of economic opportuni-
ties for low-and-moderate-income persons through the
creation of new businesses and jobs and the increase in
the local tax base. Projects selected for funding em-
phasize near-term results and clear economic benefits.
Section 108 loan commitments are often paired with
BEDI grants, which are used to enhance the security or
improve the viability of a project financed with new Sec-
tion 108 guaranteed loan authority.
Limitations: BEDI grants must be used in tandem with
new Section 108 loan guarantee commitments. BEDI
projects must increase economic opportunity for per-
sons of low-and-moderate income or stimulate and retain
businesses and jobs that lead to economic revitalization.
Eligibility Requirements: Eligible entities are CDBG
Entitlement Communities and non-entitlement commu-
nities eligible to receive loan guarantees.
Availability: HUD has $10 million to fund competitive
BEDI grants in 2009.
Uses/Applications:
• Land writedowns
• Site remediation costs
• Funding reserves
• Over-collateralizing the Section 108 loan
• Direct enhancement of the security of the Section
108 loan
• Provision of financing to for-profit businesses at a
below-market interest rate
http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/economicdevelopment/
programs/bed;/
Community Renewal Initiative
The Community Renewal Initiative is designed to pro-
vide distressed communities that have been designated
by HUD as Renewal Communities (RCs) and Empower-
ment Zones (EZs) with real opportunities for growth and
revitalization. These efforts bring communities together
through a strategic planning process to attract the
investment necessary for sustainable economic and com-
munity development. HUD has designated 40 urban and
rural RCs and 30 urban EZs. These 70 communities are
able to share an $11 billion tax-incentive package that
encourages the private sector to invest in these commu-
nities, open new businesses, expand existing businesses,
and hire tens of thousands of local residents.
RC tax incentives are worth approximately $5.6 billion
and include employment credits, a zero percent tax on
capital gains, accelerated depreciation through commer-
cial revitalization deductions, and other incentives. EZ
tax incentives are worth approximately $5.3 billion and
include employment credits, low-interest loans through
EZ facility bonds, reduced taxation on capital gains, and
other incentives.
Limitations: Incentives are limited to designated RCs and EZs.
http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/economicdevelopment/
programs/re/
HOME Investment Partnerships Program
HOME is the largest federal block grant program de-
signed exclusively to create affordable housing for
low-income households. HUD directly distributes HOME
funds to over 500 state and local participating jurisdic-
tions. The program's flexibility enables communities to
design and implement affordable housing strategies
tailored to meet their needs and priorities.
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Eligibility Requirements: Annual grants are awarded
as formula grants to participating jurisdictions, which
include states, eligible cities, and insular areas.
Limitations: Participating jurisdictions are required to
provide a 25 percent match of HOME funding.
Availability: HUD will directly distribute $1.825 billion
HOME funds to over 500 participating jurisdictions in
fiscal year 2009.
Uses/Applications:
• Acquire property
• Construct new housing for rent or ownership
• Rehabilitate rental or owner-occupied units
• Provide home purchase or rehabilitation financing
assistance
• Assist low-income renters through tenant-based
rental assistance or payment of security deposits
www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/affordablehousing/programs/
home/
Lead-Based Paint Grant Programs
HDD's lead-based paint program was established in
1993 to reduce young children's exposure to lead paint
hazards in homes. Three grant programs provide funding
to identify and control lead-based paint hazards: Lead-
based Paint Hazard Control Program (LHC), Lead Hazard
Reduction Demonstration Program (LHRD), and the Lead
Elimination Action Program (LEAP). Two additional grant
programs provide funding for outreach and techni-
cal assistance. These grants assist states, tribes, cities,
counties/parishes, and other units of local government
in undertaking comprehensive programs to identify and
control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately
owned rental or owner-occupied housing. Funds made
available under this program are awarded competitively
on an annual basis through a selection process conduct-
ed by HUD.
Eligibility Requirements: LHRD grants must be used
to address housing privately owned and occupied by,
or rented to, low-income families. LHC grant recipients
must provide a 10 percent match.
Availability: HUD annually grants awards of approxi-
mately $90 million for LHC, $48 million for LHRD, and
$12 million for LEAP.
Uses/Applications:
• Lead-based paint inspections and risk assessments
• Community awareness or education programs on
lead hazard control and lead poisoning prevention
• Blood testing of children prior to lead hazard control
work
• Lead hazard control work (this includes cleaning,
interim controls, and hazard abatement)
• Temporary relocation of families during hazard con-
trol activities.
• Training for workers and supervisors
• Training on lead safe maintenance practices for resi-
dents and others working in low-income housing
http://www.hud.ciov/offices/lead/lbD/
Stan Gimont, Director
Office of Block Grant Assistance in the Office of Commu-
nity Planning and Development
451 7th Street, SW, Room 7286
Washington, DC 20410
202-708-3587
Stanley gimont@hud.gov
Steve Johnson, Director
Entitlement Communities Division
Office of Block Grant Assistance
451 7th Street SW, Room 7282
Washington, DC 20410
202-708-1577
steve johnson@hud.gov
Diane Lobasso, Director
State and Small Cities Division
Office of Block Grant Assistance
451 7th Street SW, Room 7184
Washington, DC 20410
202-708-1322
diane lobasso@hud.gov
Paul Webster, Director
Financial Management Division
Office of Block Grant Assistance
451 7th Street SW, Room 7180
Washington, DC 20410
202-708-1871
paul webster@hud.gov
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Pamela Glekas Spring, Director
Office of Community Renewal
451 7th Street SW, Room 7130
Washington, DC 20410
202-708-6339
pamela glekas@hud.gov
Cliff Taffet, Director
Office of Affordable Housing Programs
451 7th Street, SW, Room 7162
Washington, DC 20410
202-708-2684
cliff taffet@hud.gov
HUD Brownfields Hotline
800-998-9999
Main Site
http://www.hud.gov
The Plaza Pacoima shopping center was developed
on the site of the former Price Pfister plumbing
fixture manufacturer. The City of Los Angeles loaned
$7.4 million in Section 108 assistance through its
Community Redevelopment Agency, which used the
funds to acquire the property. A tandem $1.4 million
Brownfield Economic Development Initiative award
from HUD paid for some of the remedial activities as
well as pre-development soft costs and interest pay-
ments on the Section 108 loan during construction.
The shopping center includes a Lowe's hardware
store, a much-needed supermarket, and specialty
retail shops. An existing building was retrofitted for
new light industrial uses.
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Department of the Interior-
National Park Service
Mission
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the
natural and cultural resources and values of the national
park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspira-
tion of this and future generations. The Park Service co-
operates with partners to extend the benefits of natural
and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recre-
ation throughout this country and the world.
Brownfields Connections
' Provides technical assistance to state and local govern-
ments, as well as community-based organizations, for
planning, assessment, and conservation in urban areas
• Assists states and local governments in the acquisition
of surplus federal lands
• Offers technical assistance for community revitalization
Outreach/Technical Assistance
Federal Lands to Parks Program
The National Park Service's Federal Lands to Parks Pro-
gram helps communities create new parks and recre-
ation areas by transferring surplus federal land to state
and local governments. This program helps ensure pub-
lic access to properties and stewardship of the proper-
ties' natural, cultural, and recreational resources.
Eligibility Requirements: States, counties, munici-
palities, and similar government entities may acquire
surplus federal land for parks and recreational areas
through an approved application. Private and nonprofit
organizations, religious institutions, and individuals are
not eligible to acquire surplus federal land for recreation
through the program. However, they may act as advo-
cates for its acquisition by state and local governments.
Limitations: Land or buildings obtained through this
program must be used for public parks and recreational
activities in perpetuity. The Federal Lands to Parks
Program periodically monitors the property's use and
development to make sure that it is managed according
to the terms and conditions of the deed and approved
use plan.
Availability: Over 1,500 properties, approximately
166,000 acres, have been transferred to state and local
governments for parks and recreation areas since the
program's inception in 1949. When federal land becomes
available for reuse, the General Services Administra-
tion (the military agency, in cases of base closures, or at
times, anotherfederal"disposing"agency) will notify oth-
er federal and state agencies. Federal Lands to Parks staff
review notices of available property for park and recre-
ation opportunities, and notify relevant state, regional,
and/or local park agencies. Notices are often posted on
military or General Services Administration Web sites.
Uses/Applications:
• Expand park and recreational amenities to play sports,
improve quality of life, help revitalization efforts, and
attract businesses
• Protect open spaces, extended hiking trails, and
opened boating and fishing access
• Preserve historical and natural resources such as forts
and lighthouses, shorelines, and wildlife habitat
• Convert abandoned military bases into widely used,
productive recreational assets
• Renew a sense of community through community
gardens, senior and cultural centers, and other gath-
ering places
http://www.nps.gov/flp/
Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program
The Rivers,Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA)
program provides technical assistance to communities
so they can conserve rivers, preserve open space, and
develop trails and greenways. The RTCA staff helps with
building partnerships to achieve community-defined
goals, assessing resources, developing concept plans,
engaging public participation, and identifying poten-
tial sources of funding for conservation and outdoor
recreation projects. Much of the assistance is targeted
to urban areas. As such, the program can complement
brownfields redevelopment efforts.
There are four RTCA project areas that support con-
servation efforts: urban area projects, trails and gre-
enway projects, rails-trails projects, and river projects.
A redevelopment project may use any or all of these
project areas at the same time. The Groundwork USA
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Initiative is a pilot program of RTCA, in cooperation
with the EPA's Brownfields Program, through which NPS
provides technical assistance to successful pilot com-
munity applicants. NPS also awards financial assistance
to successful applicants and administers the assistance
agreements. EPA provides NPS with the funds for this
program under an Interagency Agreement. The Ground-
work USA Initiative builds the capacity of communities
impacted by brownfields and derelict lands to improve
their environment for conservation, recreation, and eco-
nomic development by supporting the establishment
of locally organized and controlled Groundwork Trusts-
independent, not-for-profit, environmental businesses.
The trusts partner with government agencies and the
private sector to engage residents in the remediation of
brownfields to build consensus on reusing these sites
for community benefit and facilitating their transforma-
tion.
Eligibility Requirements: Project partners may be
nonprofit organizations, community groups, tribes or
tribal governments, and local, state, or federal government
agencies. Federal agencies may be the lead partner only in
collaboration with a nonfederal partner. Projects are locally
requested and led and should include significant public in-
volvement. Projects should also include the commitment,
cooperation, and cost-sharing of all partners.
Limitations: The RTCA involvement in these partnerships
does not exceed two years.
Availability: Assistance is provided for one year and may
be renewed for a second year, if warranted.
Uses/Applications:
• Assist in the development of conservation partnerships
• Provide resource assessment and identify potential
sources of funding
• Engage public participation
• Help communities achieve on-the-ground conserva-
tion successes for their projects
• Offer assistance in greenway efforts ranging from ur-
ban promenades, to trails along abandoned railroad
rights-of-way, to wildlife corridors
• Promote river conservation through downtown river-
fronts, regional water trails, and stream restoration
RTCA Web site
http://www.nps.gou/rtca/
Groundwork USA Web site
http://www.qroi/ri c/wor/a/sa.net/
Wendy Ormont, Leader, National Park Service
Federal Lands to Parks Program
1849 C Street, N.W.
M.S. 2225
Washington, DC 20240
202-354-6915
wendv ormont@nps.gov
Charlie Stockman, Leader, National Park Service
Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program
1201 Eye Street, N.W. Floor 9
Washington, DC 20005
202-354-6907
charlie stockman@nps.gov
Web Site
rittp://www.nps.qoy
The Riverfront Heritage Trail is a system of pedestri-
an and bicycle trails linking residential, office, com-
mercial, retail, and historical and cultural sites along
the bi-state Kansas City Urban Riverfront. The trail is
located near several brownfields and provides recre-
ational and transportation amenities, enhancing the
redevelopment potential of these properties. The
area has experienced a demand from developers,
businesses, and community organizations for envi-
ronmental assessments on additional brownfields in
the area. The city formed a partnership with the Na-
tional Park Service who provided funding for devel-
oping an erasable aerial map of the trail. Kansas City
is also exploring the use of engineered wetlands to
manage flooding from a nearby creek and stormwa-
ter impacts on brownfields developments.
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Department of the Interior-
Office of Surface Mining
Mission
The Office of Surface Mining (OSM), in cooperation with
states and Indian tribes, is responsible for the protec-
tion of citizens and the environment during coal mining
and reclamation. OSM is organized around two principal
requirements: regulating active coal mining and reclaim-
ing mines abandoned before 1977. Additionally, OSM
operates programs to eliminate the environmental and
economic impacts of acid mine drainage from aban-
doned coal mines, encourage reforestation of reclaimed
mine land, develop techniques that can ensure recla-
mation of prime farmland soils, and publicly recognize
outstanding reclamation.
Brownfields Connections
' Provides information on pre-regulatory mine site is-
sues and development opportunities to local gov-
ernments, states, tribes, quasi-public development
organizations, nonprofits, and other entities eligible
to apply for EPA Brownfields assessment and cleanup
grants
• Offers grant writing training and assistance through
its OSM/VISTA Program—targeted to watershed
groups and other entities eligible to apply for grants
to support brownfields redevelopment
• Supports local governments in the assessment,
reclamation, and redevelopment of abandoned mine
lands as brownfields
Financial Assistance
Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program
The Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program makes
funds available for reclamation projects to clean streams
affected by acid mine drainage.
Eligibility Requirements: Eligible entities include noprofit
organizations, especially small local watershed organizations.
Availability: Applicants normally receive up to $100,000
for each reclamation project, primarily for project con-
struction. Watershed Cooperative Agreements have a
two-year performance period. Between 1999 and 2006
OSM awarded 161 Watershed Cooperative Agreements
and amendments to existing agreements totaling more
than $14 million.
Limitations: Matching funds are required.
Uses/Applications:
• Project construction
• Administrative costs
Outreach/Technical Assistance
Abandoned Mine Land Program
The Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Program addresses
threats to public health, safety, and general welfare
through the reclamation of environmental hazards caused
by past mining practices. In 2006, the program was ex-
tended to 2021.
Eligibility Requirements: Eligible entities include wa-
tershed groups working on properties mined prior to
August 3,1977, and limited sites mined after that.
Limitations: Each state must have an approved Surface
Mining Control and Reclamation Act regulatory (Title V)
program and a reclamation (Title IV) program before it is
eligible to receive reclamation grant funding. Tribes are
allowed access to AML funds derived from reclamation
fees if they have an approved reclamation program.
http://www.osmre.gov/aml.AML/shtm
OSM/VISTA Watershed Development Teams
OSM and the AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service
to America) program assist watershed groups in capac-
ity-building to improve communities. The OSM/VISTA
initiative can provide a watershed group with a full-time,
college graduate VISTA volunteer to support brownfields
development, implementation, and outreach.
Eligibility Requirements: The sponsoring watershed
organization must demonstrate its capacity for effective
supervision and support of the OSM/VISTA, adherence to
the core goals for OSM/VISTAs, and community support.
Limitations: There is a small cost-share requirement for
all OSM/VISTAs.
Availability: Complete an application form that docu-
ments the poverty of the watershed, the support of local
agencies, and a work plan. The position is for three years.
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Uses/Applications:
Build capacity in watershed organizations:
• Organizing the water quality monitoring critical to
future funding
• Reaching out to youth and adults in the community
• Engaging in economic revitalization efforts
• Finding funding for the revitalization efforts
http://www.osmre.gov/aml/vista/vista.shtm
Appalachian Coal Country Watershed Team
www.accwt.org
Western Hardrock Watershed Team
www.hardrockteam.org
Summer Watershed Intern Program
The Summer Watershed Intern Program provides as-
sistance to private and public not-for-profit institutions
and organizations to provide stipends and expenses for
interns to work on specific watershed projects.
Eligibility Requirements: Sponsoring watershed groups
must complete a cooperative agreement with OSM. Each
proposed project must clearly enhance the sustainability
of the watershed organization and contribute directly to
the remediation of acid mine drainage.
Limitations: The OSM will provide the full amount of
intern funding for first-time sponsor organizations and
ask those organizations that have been awarded funds in
the past to provide one-half of the funding for interns.
Availability: The positions are full-time for 12 weeks.
Although most internships are for the summer months,
positions are available year round.
Uses/Applications:
• Watershed monitoring
• Watershed planning
• Grants writing
Educational program development
Community organization
Conceptual design for passive acid mine drainage
remediation systems
T.Allan Comp, Ph.D.
Watershed Assistance Team
Office of Surface Mining
Department of the Interior - Room 121
Washington, DC 20240
202-208-2836
tcomp@osmre.gov
Main Site
http://www.osm re.gov
Several mine-scarred land communities are located
within the Kelly's Creek watershed of West Virginia.
The post World War II decline of the area's coal
industry and related businesses left these com-
munities with no economic stability and residents
with few transferable job skills. The Kelly's Creek
Communities Association (KCCA) was formed by
local stakeholders, in partnership with the Office of
Surface Mining, to inventory and prioritize brown-
fields and devise a strategic redevelopment plan for
Kelly's Creek watershed. Kelly's Creek is one of six
nationally recognized pilot projects participating
in the federal Mine-Scarred Lands Initiative, which
develops model communities for mining-related
revitalization.
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Department of Justice—
Community Capacity Development Office
Mission
The Community Capacity Development Office (CCDO)
is housed within the Department of Justice's Office of
Justice Programs. CCDO's mission is to promote compre-
hensive strategies to reduce crime and revitalize com-
munities. CCDO works to achieve its mission by helping
communities help themselves, enabling them to develop
solutions to public safety problems and to strengthen
leadership to implement and sustain those solutions.
Brownfields Connection
CCDO allows designated Weed and Seed Communities
to include brownfields projects in their Weed and Seed
strategy and annual funding application submissions at
their discretion. Working with or organizing a Weed and
Seed Community can be a productive means of building
partnerships and outreach among stakeholders both in
the community and local government to support brown-
fields projects.
Financial Assistance
Weed and Seed Initiative
The highly successful Weed and Seed initiative is CCDO's
flagship strategy. Operation Weed and Seed is a strat-
egy that "weeds out" violent crime, gang activity, drug
use, and drug trafficking in designated neighborhoods
and then "seeds" the designated area by restoring those
neighborhoods through social and economic revitaliza-
tion. The Weed and Seed strategy recognizes the im-
portance of linking federal, state, and local law enforce-
ment efforts with social services, the private sector, and
grassroots community efforts to maximize the impact of
existing programs and resources. Four elements make
up the Weed and Seed program: law enforcement; com-
munity policing; prevention, intervention, and treat-
ment; and neighborhood restoration. Law enforcement
activities constitute the "weed" portion of the program.
Revitalization, which includes prevention, intervention,
and treatment services and neighborhood restoration,
constitutes the "seed" element. Community policing is
the "bridge" that links the Weed and Seed elements. It
is the program's seed portion that may indirectly affect
redevelopment by promoting revitalization activities in
distressed areas where brownfields are located.
Eligibility Requirements: Eligible entities include state,
local, or tribal governments or nonprofit organizations
in communities with a persistent high level of serious
violent crime that have not previously been approved for
Weed and Seed designation.
Limitations: CCDO considers urban communities with
a population between 7,500 and 50,000 for Weed and
Seed designation and considers rural communities or In-
dian tribes with a population between 3,000 and 50,000.
Availability: Limited discretionary grant resources are
available annually for communities selected as Weed and
Seed Communities subject to Congressional funding and
level of grantee performance.
Uses/Applications:
• Restore neighborhoods, including community and
economic development activities
• Fill in funding gaps in leveraged resources
• Represent the interests of all federal partners in litigation
• Advise federal partners on legislative implementation
• Use settlements and assets to assist with brownfields
redevelopment
• Use brownfields funds to clean up methamphet-
amine labs
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Build partnerships and outreach among stakeholders
Foster local job development and training programs
Sharron Chapman
Community Capacity Development Office
810 Seventh Street, NW
Washington, DC 20531
202-305-2358
sharron.chapman@usdoj.gov
DeniseViera
Community Capacity Development Office
810 Seventh Street, NW
Washington, DC 20531
202-514-9601
denise. viera@usdoj.gov
Main Site
h ttD://www.oip. usdoi.gov/ccdo
The 130-acre Ravenswood Industrial Area in East
Palo Alto is located at the gateway to technology-
based Silicon Valley, making it an attractive loca-
tion for local industries. East Palo Alto is perform-
ing environmental site assessments at potentially
contaminated properties in Ravenswood. EPA and
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Devel-
opment teamed up to assist the city by providing
a federal staff liaison to work on brownfields and
economic development issues, coordinate federal
and state programs to meet the needs of East Palo
Alto, and identify assistance programs for which
the city qualifies.The partnership also established
the Ravenswood Industrial Area Stakeholders
Group to determine future land uses. DOJ contrib-
uted conference travel funds to help program ad-
ministrators in East Palo Alto attend professional
development conferences.
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Department of Labor
Mission
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) fosters and pro-
motes the welfare of the job seekers, wage earners, and
retirees of the United States by improving their working
conditions, advancing their opportunities for profitable
employment, protecting their retirement and health care
benefits, helping employers find workers, strengthen-
ing free collective bargaining, and tracking changes in
employment, prices, and other national economic mea-
surements. In carrying out this mission, the department
administers a variety of federal labor laws including
those that guarantee workers' rights to safe and health-
ful working conditions, a minimum hourly wage and
overtime pay, freedom from employment discrimination,
unemployment insurance, and other income support.
While DOL does not have a brownfields initiative, its mis-
sion complements local redevelopment efforts, which
need workers who are trained and skilled to handle
environmental cleanup and sustainable redevelopment
of brownfields.
Brownfields Connections
• Offers state and local governments technical assis-
tance linked to job training and workforce develop-
ment in brownfields communities
Outreach/Technical Assistance
Job Training and Technical Assistance
DOL provides job training expertise and helps coordi-
nate Workforce Investment Act programs in brownfields
communities. In August, 2003, DOL issued a training and
employment notice to all state workforce agencies and
liaisons on potential collaboration with EPA on brown-
fields economic development. DOL encourages local
workforce professionals to be involved in the planning of
job readiness needs for the next use of brownfields.
Eligibility Requirements: Technical assistance is avail-
able to communities with brownfields. State or local
governments interested in this support should contact
the DOL Employment and Training Administration's rel-
evant regional administrator. Contact information can be
found on the regional offices Web site.
Availability: Interested parties should contact their local
Workforce Investment Board for information.
Jennifer Troke, Coordinator of Labor Green Team
Employment and Training Administration
Office of Workforce Investment
200 Constitution Avenue, NW, RM N-4643
Washington, DC 20210
202-693-2665
troke.jennifer@dol.gov
Main Site
http://www.doleta.gov
Regional Offices
http://www.doleta.ciov/reciions/recioffices
The City of New Bedford has a long history of indus-
trial whaling, cotton textile manufacturing and fish-
ing, which has left little space for new industrial de-
velopment. The decline of the city's main industries
and the recent departure of several large employers
have created abandoned properties that are either
contaminated or thought to be contaminated. New
Bedford's efforts to assess and clean up brownfields
and reduce a high unemployment rate indicated a
need for environmental job training. A job training
program was established comprising 25 weeks of
comprehensive environmental response training,
including training in the use of innovative technolo-
gies for site assessment and cleanup activities. The
city was able to leverage $71,000 in funding from
the Department of Labor to support the job training
program's staff and office space.
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Department of Transportation—
Federal Highway Administration
Mission
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) helps fund
the construction, maintenance, and improvement of
Interstate highways and other roads and surface trans-
portation facilities. Typical projects financed under the
Federal-Aid Highway Program include road widening
and reconstruction; new construction of roads, trans-
portation centers, intermodal facilities and recreational
trails; access improvements; bridge replacement or reha-
bilitation; and bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
Funding for assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites
is available through some of FHWA's transportation
programs, as long as the assessment or cleanup is an
eligible and necessary part of an approved transporta-
tion project.
Brownfields Connections
• Provides funds to support eligible transportation
projects related to brownfields redevelopment
• Uses highway funds for transit projects that reduce
congestion
• Supports transportation enhancement projects, includ-
ing pedestrian and bicycle facilities, acquisition of sce-
nic easements, landscaping and historic preservation
• Funds transportation projects that reduce air emissions
Financial Assistance
Surface Transportation Program
FHWA funds transit projects that reduce congestion and
improve air quality.
Uses/Applications:
• Bridges
• Transit project capital costs
• Carpool projects, parking facilities and bicycle and
pedestrian facilities
• Roads enhancing access to brownfields
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improve-
ment Program
Through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Im-
provement Program (CMAQ), FHWA funds transportation
projects that reduce emissions in EPA's designated air
quality non-attainment and maintenance areas.
Eligibility Requirements: Eligible applicants include
state departments of transportation, metropolitan plan-
ning organizations, and other entities, such as public-
private partnerships.
Limitations: Funds must be spent in non-attainment or
maintenance areas. Projects must reduce the pollutant
for which the area has been designated non-attainment
or maintenance.
Availability: Funds must be obligated within four years
of award.
Uses/Applications:
• Support transit and public transportation programs
specifically through service or system expansion, pro-
vision of new transit service, and financial incentives
to use existing transit services
• Freight and intermodal infrastructure
• Traffic flow improvements
• Travel demand management strategies
• Pedestrian and bicycle programs
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/cmaqpgs/
Transportation and Community and System
Preservation Pilot Program
The Transportation and Community and System Preser-
vation Pilot (TCSP) Program provides funding that can be
used to examine transportation strategies that relate to
brownfields redevelopment, such as planning access to
redeveloped brownfields sites, upgrading existing urban
transportation systems, and connecting local community
members to new brownfield-related jobs.
Eligibility Requirements: Eligible entities include states,
regional and local governments, metropolitan planning
organizations, and tribal governments.
Limitations: TCSP Program grantees must meet federal-
aid requirements when implementing their grants.
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Availability: The TCSP Program was authorized by the
Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation
Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (TEA-21). Continued avail-
ability is contingent upon pending legislation.
Uses/Applications:
• Improve the efficiency of a transportation system
• Reduce environmental impacts of transportation
• Reduce the need for costly future public infrastruc-
ture investments
• Ensure efficient access to jobs, services, and centers
of trade
• Examine development patterns and identify strategies
to encourage private sector development patterns
h ttp://www. fh wa.dot.gov/tcsp/index. h tml
Transportation Enhancement Activities
Transportation enhancement activities offer communi-
ties funding opportunities to expand transportation
choices such as bicycle and pedestrian facilities, scenic
routes, and other investments that increase recreation
opportunity. Communities also may use transportation
enhancement funds to contribute toward the revitaliza-
tion of local and regional economies by restoring historic
buildings, renovating streetscapes, or providing trans-
portation museums and visitors centers. Transportation
enhancement is an example of a project that has appli-
cability to brownfields, even though it is not designated
as such.
Uses/Applications:
• Provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicycles
• Acquisition of scenic easements and scenic or historic
sites
• Landscaping and other scenic beautification
• Historic preservation
• Rehabilitation and operation of historic transporta-
tion buildings, structures, or facilities (including
historic railroad facilities and canals)
• Preservation of abandoned railway corridors (includ-
ing the conversion and use thereof for pedestrian or
bicycle trails)
• Environmental mitigation to address water pollution
due to highway runoff or reduce vehicle-caused wild-
life mortality while maintaining habitat connectivity
http://www.fhwa.dot.aov/environment/te/index.htm
Outreach/Technical Assistance
Transportation Planning
FHWA helps metropolitan planning organizations de-
velop long-range transportation plans that consider
changes in future population and traffic patterns,
as well as predict the economic and infrastructure
changes needed to support these changes.
http://www.fhwa.dot.ciov/Dlanninci/index.htm
Constance Hill Galloway, Ph. D.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
Office of Natural and Human Environment
Sustainable Transport and Climate Change Team
(HEPN-40)
1200 New Jersey Ave. SE
Washington, DC 20590
804-775-3378
connie.hill&.dot.gov
Main Site
http://www.fhwa.dot.ciov
Funding from FHWA's Surface Transportation Pro-
gram was used to construct Phalen Corridor—a
boulevard for vehicular traffic that replaced a 2.5-
mile rail line east of downtown St. Paul. Construc-
tion of the boulevard linked more than 200 acres
of brownfield land together, opening up significant
new tracts of land for housing, open space, and
economic development. The FHWA funding was sig-
nificant in establishing a revitalization climate that
leveraged numerous public resources over a ten-
year period, including funds from the Department
of Housing and Urban Development for economic
development, the Economic Development Admin-
istration for infrastructure, and EPA for site assess-
ment and cleanup.
Since 1994, the Phalen Corridor has attracted near-
ly $600 million in private investment and nearly
two dozen new businesses in high-tech manufac-
turing, commercial services, and health care. A
bus transfer facility was constructed, and bicycle
and pedestrian paths were connected to the larger
metro area network.
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Department of Transportation
Federal Transit Administration
Mission
The Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Ad-
ministration (FTA) provides sponsorship and stewardship
of programs that support a variety of locally planned,
constructed, and operated public transportation systems
throughout the United States, including buses, subways,
light rail, commuter rail, streetcars, monorail, passenger
ferry boats, inclined railways, and people movers. To
carry out its mission, FTA administers a variety of grant
programs to serve local communities throughout the
United States.
Since most brownfields are located in urbanized and
industrial areas where transit is usually a viable trans-
portation option, FTA programs can play a role in local
redevelopment efforts. Connecting the redeveloped site
into the regional transit network can expand its potential
uses and improve its marketability. Funding for cleanup
is available through the federal transit program, as long
as the cleanup is a necessary part of a transit project. FTA
will share best practices and offer technical assistance
and training to metropolitan planning organizations,
along with states and local governments.
Brownfields Connections
• Provides grants to public transit agencies in urban
and non-urban areas for transit capital and mainte-
nance projects
• Offers discretionary capital grants to public transit
agencies—primarily in larger metropolitan areas—for
new fixed guideway transit lines, bus-related facilities
and new buses and rail vehicles
• Funds metropolitan planning organizations, through
the states, for transportation and land-use planning
• Promotes delivery of safe and effective public and
private transportation in non-urban areas through the
states
Finan da I Assist an ce
Urbanized Area Formula Grants
Urbanized Area Formula Grants target urbanized areas
with populations of 50,000 or more for public transpor-
tation capital investments from the Mass Transit Account
of the Highway Trust Fund. Areas with populations under
200,000 are eligible to use the funds for operating ex-
penses as well.
Eligibility Requirements: For areas with populations
over 200,000, recipients must be public bodies with the
legal authority to receive and dispense federal funds.
Recipients are designated by their governor, responsible
local official, and publicly owned operators of transit ser-
vices to apply for, receive, and dispense funds for their
transportation management areas. For urbanized areas
with populations between 50,000 and 200,000, the gov-
ernor or governor's designee is the designated recipient.
Limitations: In most instances, the federal share is not to
exceed 80 percent of the net project cost. However, the
federal share may be 90 percent for the cost of vehicle-
related equipment attributable to compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act and the Clean Air Act.
The federal share also may be 90 percent for projects or
portions of projects related to bicycles. The federal share
of operating assistance may not exceed 50 percent of
the net project costs.
Funds only can be used for planning, engineering de-
sign, and evaluation of transit projects and other techni-
cal transportation-related studies; capital investments
in bus and bus-related activities such as replacement of
buses, overhaul of buses, rebuilding of buses, crime pre-
vention, security equipment, and construction of main-
tenance and passenger facilities; and capital investments
in new and existing fixed guideway systems, including
rolling stock, overhaul and rebuilding of vehicles, track,
signals, communications, and computer hardware and
software.
Availability: Congress appropriated $4.16 billion for
these grants in 2009.
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Uses/Applications:
• Bus and rail system replacements
• Maintenance of equipment
• Facility construction
• System modernization and rehabilitation
http://www.fta.dot.gov/funding/grants/grants financ-
ing 3561.html
Non-Urbanized Area Formula Grants
Non-Urbanized Area Formula Grants provide capital,
operating, and administrative assistance to states for
the purpose of supporting public transportation in
small non-urbanized areas with populations of less than
50,000 people.
Eligibility Requirements: Grants are awarded to states
and Indian tribes, which can pass funds through to local
government authorities, nonprofit organizations, or op-
erators of public transportation or intercity bus services.
Limitations: In most instances, the federal share is not to
exceed 80 percent of the net project cost. However, the
federal share may be 90 percent for the cost of vehicle-
related equipment attributable to compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act and the Clean Air Act.
The federal share also may be 90 percent for projects or
portions of projects related to bicycles. The federal share
of operating assistance may not exceed 50 percent of
the net project costs.
Availability: Funding is apportioned by a statutory
formula that is based on the latest U.S. Census figures of
areas with a population less than 50,000. Congress ap-
propriated approximately $465 million for this program
in 2009.
http://www.fta.dot.gov/funding/grants/grants financ-
ing 3555.html
Capital Investment Grants
Capital Investment Grants provide transit capital assis-
tance for fixed guideway modernization, bus and bus-re-
lated facilities, and new fixed guideway systems and ex-
tensions to existing fixed guideway systems, commonly
referred to as "New Starts." A fixed guideway refers to any
transit service that uses exclusive or controlled rights-of-
way or rails, entirely or in part. The term includes heavy
rail, commuter rail, light rail, trolleybus, aerial tramway,
inclined plane, cable car, automated guideway transit,
ferryboats, that portion of motor bus service operated
on exclusive or controlled rights-of-way, and high-occu-
pancy-vehicle (HOV) lanes.
Availability: These grants are funded by the Mass Transit
Account of the Highway Trust Fund and from the Gen-
eral Fund. Forty percent must be used for new starts,
40 percent for fixed guideway modernization, and 20
percent for bus and bus-related facilities. In 2009, Con-
gress appropriated $1.67 billion for the Fixed Guideway
Modernization program, $984 million for the Bus and
Bus-Related Facilities program, and $1.8 billion for the
New Starts program.
Limitations: The federal share of eligible capital costs
is 80 percent of the net capital project cost, unless the
grant recipient requests a lower percentage. The federal
share may exceed 80 percent for certain projects related
to the American with Disabilities Act, the Clean Air Act,
and certain bicycle projects.
Uses/Applications:
• Bus facilities
• Modernization or construction of fixed guideway
systems
New Starts
http://www.fta.dot.gov/funding/gmnts/grants financ-
ing 3559.html
Rail and Fixed Guideway Modernization
h ttp://www. fta.dot.gov/funding/gran ts/gran ts financ-
ing 3558.html
Bus and Bus Facilities
http://www.fta.dot.gov/funding/grants/grants financ-
ing 3557.html
Metropolitan Planning Program (Section 5303)
The Metropolitan Planning Program provides financial
assistance to help urbanized areas plan for the devel-
opment, improvement, and effective management of
their multimodal transportation systems. Program funds
are used to carry out the metropolitan transportation
planning process and meet the transportation planning
requirements of planning regulations.
Eligibility Requirements: Funds are apportioned to
states for use by Metropolitan Planning Organizations
(MPOs) on the basis of urban area population to support
preparing transportation plans and programs; plan-
ning, engineering, designing, and evaluating a public
transportation project; and conducting technical studies
related to public transportation.
Limitations: Program funds must support work ele-
ments and activities resulting in balanced and com-
prehensive intermodal transportation planning for the
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movement of people and goods in the subject metro-
politan area. The federal share is 80 percent, and the
local share is 20 percent.
Availability: Funds are apportioned by a complex
formula to states that includes consideration of each
state's urbanized area population in proportion to the
urbanized area population for the entire nation, as well
as other factors. States can receive no less than 0.5 per-
cent of the amount apportioned. These funds, in turn,
are sub-allocated by states to MPOs by a formula that
considers each MPO's urbanized area population, their
individual planning needs, and a minimum distribution.
Congress appropriated approximately $94 million for
this program in 2009.
Uses/Applications:
• Studies relating to management, operations, capital
requirements, innovative financing opportunities,
and economic feasibility of transit projects
• Evaluation of previously funded projects
• Development of long-range and short-range trans-
portation plans and transportation improvement
programs
• Analyses of social, economic, and environmental fac-
tors related to travel and transportation
• Air quality planning and conformity planning
• Public involvement in the transit/transportation plan-
ning process
• Multimodal facilities planning
• Joint development planning
• Computer hardware and software needed to support
planning work
http://www.fta.dot.gov/funding/grants/grants financ-
ing 3563.html
State Planning and Research Program
(Section 5304)
The State and Research Program provides financial as-
sistance to states for statewide planning and research.
The supported list of eligible planning activities is nearly
identical to that of the Section 5303 program, with the
products being a statewide plan and statewide transpor-
tation improvement program.
http://www.fta.dot.ciov/laws/circLilars/leci rea 4124.html
James Barr
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Transit Administration, TPE-40
400 7th Street, SW, Room 9413
Washington, DC 20590
202-493-2633
james. barr@ dot.gov
Main Site
http://www.fta. dot.aov
The City of Wellston is an aging, industrial munici-
pality that has experienced tremendous decline and
disinvestment over the past few decades. In order
to spur redevelopment, the city focused funding
on transforming area brownfields into the Wellston
Technology Park, complemented by residential
and commercial development. The city leveraged
$325,000 from FTA's Livable Communities Initiative
to construct a nonprofit day care center.
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Environmental Protection Agency
Mission
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) leads
the nation's environmental science, research, educa-
tion, and assessment efforts. The mission of EPA is to
protect human health and the environment. EPA is the
most active federal agency in promoting the cleanup
and redevelopment of brownfields through the Office of
Brownfields and Land Revitalization. EPA's Brownfields
Program provides funds to empower states, communi-
ties, tribes, and nonprofits to prevent, inventory, assess,
clean up, and reuse brownfields sites. It encourages re-
development of America's estimated 450,000 abandoned
and contaminated waste sites.
Brownfields Connections
' Offers grants to assess site contamination
• Offers grants to carry out cleanup activities at brownfields
• Provides capital to establish revolving loan funds (RLFs)
• Funds environmental job training for residents of
brownfields-impacted communities
• Conducts environmental assessment activities
• Offers grants to establish and enhance state and
tribal response programs
• Offers grants to capitalize RLFs to correct or prevent
water quality problems
Financial Assistance
EPA's Brownfields Program provides direct funding for
brownfields assessment, cleanup, and revolving loans. To
facilitate the leveraging of public resources, the program
collaborates with other EPA programs, federal part-
ners, and state agencies to identify and make available
resources that can be used for brownfields activities.
EPA also provides technical information on brownfields
financing. EPA provides funding for the following grants:
Assessment Grants
Eligibility Requirements: Eligible entities include state
and local governments; land clearance authorities or
other quasi-governmental entities; government entities
created by state legislature; regional councils or groups
of local governments; redevelopment agencies; Indian
tribes other than in Alaska; and Alaska Native Regional
Corporations, Alaska Native Village Corporations, and the
Metlakatla Indian Community.
Limitations: An applicant may apply for one hazardous
substance assessment grant and one petroleum assess-
ment grant. No entity may apply for more than $750,000
in assessment funding, per year.
Availability: Applicants may request grants up to
$200,000 for assessing a site contaminated by hazard-
ous substances, pollutants, or contaminants (including
hazardous substances co-mingled with petroleum), and
up to $200,000 for assessing a site contaminated by pe-
troleum. Coalitions of three or more eligible parties may
submit one grant proposal under the name of a single
coalition participant. Assessment coalitions may submit
only one proposal for up to $1,000,000.
Site-specific proposals are appropriate when the appli-
cant identifies a specific site and plans to spend grant
funds only to address conditions at this one site. Ap-
plicants may seek a waiver of the $200,000 limit and
request up to $350,000 for a single site, based on the
anticipated level of hazardous substances, pollutants, or
contaminants (including hazardous substances co-min-
gled with petroleum) or petroleum at the one site. The
performance period is up to three years.
An applicant may submit a community-wide proposal
when the requested assessment grant is not targeted
to a specific site or if the applicant plans to spend grant
funds on more than one brownfield in the community.
Community-wide proposals are not eligible for assess-
ment grant "waivers."
Uses/Applications:
• Inventory sites
• Characterize and prioritize sites
• Assess sites
• Conduct community involvement activities related to
brownfields
• Conduct cleanup planning
• Conduct redevelopment planning
• Conduct health monitoring
• Monitor and enforce institutions controls
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• Develop and implement program
• Purchase environmental insurance
Cleanup Grants
Eligibility Requirements: Eligible entities include: state
and local governments; land clearance authorities or
other quasi-governmental entities; government entities
created by state legislature; regional councils or groups
of local governments; redevelopment agencies; non-
profit organizations; Indian tribes other than in Alaska;
and Alaska Native Regional Corporations, Alaska Native
Village Corporations, and the Metlakatla Indian Commu-
nity. An applicant must own the site that is the subject of
the grant proposal or obtain sole ownership by a dead-
line detailed in proposal guidelines.
Limitations: No entity may apply for more than $600,000
for funding cleanup activities at more than three sites.
Cleanup grants require a 20 percent cost share, which
may be in the form of a contribution of money, labor,
material, or services, and must be for eligible and al-
lowable costs. An applicant may request that EPA waive
the 20 percent cost share requirement based on hard-
ship. Prior to submitting their proposal, applicants must
complete a Phase I site assessment report or equivalent
report and be underway with completing a Phase II site
assessment or equivalent assessment.
Availability: Applicants may submit proposals for
grants up to $200,000 to carry out cleanup activities at a
brownfields site contaminated by hazardous substances,
pollutants, or contaminants (including hazardous sub-
stances co-mingled with petroleum), and up to $200,000
for a brownfields site contaminated by petroleum. The
performance period is up to three years.
Uses/Applications:
• Carry out cleanup activities
• Oversee cleanup construction activities
• Conduct environmental monitoring of cleanup work
• Conduct health monitoring
• Monitor and enforce institutions controls
• Conduct program development and implementation
activities
• Purchase environmental insurance
Revolving Loan Fund Grants
Eligibility Requirements: Eligible entities include: state
and local governments; land clearance authorities or
other quasi-governmental entities; government entities
created by state legislature; regional councils or groups
of local governments; redevelopment agencies; Indian
tribes other than in Alaska; and Alaska Native Regional
Corporations, Alaska Native Village Corporations, and
the Metlakatla Indian Community. Coalitions and single
applicants are both eligible to submit a proposal for a
revolving loan fund (RLF) grant.
Limitations: RLF grants provide funding to capital-
ize an RLF, make low-interest or no-interest loans for
brownfields cleanups, and provide subgrants to carry
out cleanup activities at brownfields sites. At least 60
percent of the awarded funds must be used to capitalize
and implement a revolving loan fund. RLF grants require
applicants to provide a 20 percent cost share, which may
be in the form of a contribution of money, labor, mate-
rial, or services, and must be for eligible and allowable
costs. Applicants may request a waiver of the 20 percent
cost share requirement based on hardship.
Availability: An applicant may request up to $1,000,000
to capitalize an RLF. Coalitions of eligible entities may
apply together under one applicant for up to $1,000,000
per eligible entity. The performance period is five years.
Uses/Applications:
• Capitalize a RLF and provide low-interest or no-inter-
est loans and subgrants to carry out cleanup activities
at brownfields
• Clean up sites contaminated by petroleum and/or
hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants
(including hazardous substances co-mingled with
petroleum)
• Conduct programmatic management of the grant
• Perform health monitoring
• Monitor and enforce institutional controls
• Conduct program development and implementation
activities
• Purchase environmental insurance
Proposal Guidelines for Brownfields Assess-
ment, Cleanup, and Revolving Loan Fund Grants
http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/applicat.htm
Clean Water State Revolving Fund
Brownfields that suffer from water quality impairment
can use the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF)
as a financial instrument for planned corrective action.
All states and Puerto Rico operate successful CWSRF
programs. The programs operate like banks, capitalized
through federal and state contributions, and make low-
or no-interest loans for water quality projects. CWSRF
funding may be used for brownfields mitigation to cor-
rect or prevent water quality problems. The CWSRF has
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in excess of $27 billion in assets and has issued almost
$23 billion in loans since 1988.
Eligibility Requirements: Eligible loan recipients are
communities, municipalities, individuals, citizen groups,
and nonprofit organizations. Project eligibility may vary
according to each state's priorities.
Limitations: States set CWSRF funding priorities and
project approvals.
Availability: Each state determines the recipients of its
revolving funds.
Uses/Applications:
• Excavate and dispose of underground storage tanks
• Construct wetlands as a filtering mechanism
• Cap wells
• Excavate, remove, and dispose of contaminated soil
or sediments
• Demolish tunnels
• Safely abandon wells
• Perform Phase I, II, and III assessments
http://www.epa.gov/swerosps/bf/html-doc/cwsrf.htm
State and Tribal Response Program
Section 128(a) of the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
authorizes a noncompetitive $50 million grant program
to establish and enhance state and tribal response
programs. These response programs address the assess-
ment, cleanup, and redevelopment of brownfields. State
and tribal response programs oversee assessment and
cleanup activities at the majority of brownfields sites
across the country. The four elements of a response pro-
gram are: 1) timely survey and inventory of brownfields
sites in state or tribal land; 2) oversight and enforce-
ment authorities or other mechanisms and resources; 3)
mechanisms and resources to provide meaningful op-
portunities for public participation; and 4) mechanisms
for approval of a cleanup plan and verification and certi-
fication that cleanup is complete. The funding may give
recipients the ability to establish, enhance, or increase
the number of sites addressed by a response program.
Recipients may use the funding to start a new response
program and meet public record requirements. States
and tribes also may use funding to increase the number
of sites at which response actions are conducted or per-
form activities that add or improve a response program.
In addition, the funds can be used to oversee cleanups,
conduct site-specific activities, purchase environmental
insurance, or develop other insurance mechanisms to
provide financing for cleanup activities.
Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible for funding, a
state or tribe must: 1) demonstrate that its response
program includes, or is taking reasonable steps to in-
clude, the four elements of a response program, or be a
party to a voluntary response program memorandum of
agreement with EPA; and 2) maintain and make available
to the public a record of sites at which response ac-
tions have been completed in the previous year and are
planned to be addressed in the upcoming year.
Limitations:
• No more than $200,000 per site can be used for as-
sessments, and no more than $200,000 per site can be
used for cleanups
• The state or tribe may not use the awarded funds to
assess and clean up sites owned or operated by the
recipient
• Assessments and cleanups cannot be conducted at
sites where the state or tribe is a potentially respon-
sible party
• Subgrants cannot be provided to entities that may be
potentially responsible parties
Availability: For fiscal year 2009, EPA considered funding
requests of up to $1,500,000 per state or tribe.
Uses/Applications:
• Develop legislation, regulations, procedures, guid-
ance, etc., to establish or enhance the administrative
and legal structure of a response program
• Establish and maintain the required public record
• Capitalize a RLF for brownfields cleanup
• Purchase environmental insurance or develop a risk-
sharing pool, indemnity pool, or insurance mecha-
nism to provide financing for response actions under
a state or tribal response program
• Conduct limited site-specific activities, such as assess-
ment or cleanup, provided such activities establish
and/or enhance the response program and are tied to
the four elements
http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/state tribal.htm
Brownfields Job Training Program
For more than 10 years, EPA's Brownfields Job Training
Program has transformed the lives of those living in
brownfields communities. The program produces the
skilled environmental technicians needed to clean up
brownfields, creating jobs and spurring local economic
development. To date, more than 4,000 trainees have
graduated from the programs funded by EPA's brown-
fields job training grants.
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Eligibility Requirements: Eligible entities include: a
state; general purpose local unit of government; land
clearance authority or other quasi-governmental entity;
governmental entity created by a state legislature; re-
gional council or group of general purpose units of local
government; redevelopment agency that is chartered or
otherwise sanctioned by a state; Indian tribes other than
in Alaska; Alaskan Native Regional Corporation, Alaska
Native Village Corporation, and Metlakatla Indian Com-
munity; intertribal consortia; eligible nonprofit organiza-
tions; and public and nonprofit educational institutions.
Availability: An eligible entity may apply for up to
$200,000. The performance period is two years.
Uses/Applications:
• Recruit job training participants from communities
impacted by brownfields and conduct outreach ac-
tivities directed toward engaging prospective em-
ployers to be involved in the job training program
• Train residents of brownfields-impacted communities
in the handling and removal of hazardous substances,
including health and safety certification, and training
for jobs in sampling, analysis, and site remediation
• Train participants for response activities often associ-
ated with cleanups (for example, landscaping, demo-
lition, and groundwater extraction)
• Train participants in the requirements and conduct of
all appropriate inquiry and due diligence, which can
be defined as the process of evaluating a property for
the potential presence of environmental contamina-
tion and assessing potential liability for any contami-
nation present at the property
• Provide skills training in green remediation tech-
niques, recycling of demolition materials, installation
of solar panels and other renewable energy systems,
ecological reuse, and Leadership in Energy and Envi-
ronmental Design (LEED) certification of new devel-
opment
http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/job.htm
Targeted Brownfields Assessment Program
EPA's Targeted Brownfields Assessment (TBA) program is
designed to help minimize the uncertainties of contami-
nation often associated with brownfields. The program
is especially tailored to entities without EPA brownfields
assessment grants. This is not a grant program. Unlike
grants, EPA does not provide TBA funding directly to the
entity requesting the services. The TBA program provides
service through an EPA contractor to conduct environ-
mental assessment activities to address the recipient's
needs. TBA assistance is available through two sources:
directly from EPA through EPA Regional Brownfields
offices (Subtitle A of the law), and from state or tribal
voluntary response programs using funds provided by
EPA (Subtitle C of the law).
Eligibility Requirements: TBA funds may be used only at
properties eligible for EPA brownfields funding. Property
owners can include state, local, and tribal governments;
general purpose units of local government; land clear-
ance authorities or other quasi-governmental entities;
regional councils or redevelopment agencies; states or
legislatures; and nonprofit organizations.
Limitations: Unless there is a clear means of recouping
EPA expenditures, EPA generally will not fund TBAs at
properties where the owner is responsible for the con-
tamination. The TBA program does not provide resources
to conduct cleanup or building demolition activities.
Availability: The TBA selection process varies with
each EPA Region and by each state and tribal voluntary
response program. The selection process is guided by
regional criteria.
Uses/Applications:
• An "all appropriate inquiries," Phase I environmental
site assessment, including a historical investigation
and a preliminary site inspection
• A more in-depth (Phase II) environmental site assess-
ment, including sampling activities to identify the
types and concentrations of contaminants and the
areas of contamination to be cleaned
• Evaluation of cleanup options and/or cost estimates
based on future uses and redevelopment plans
http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/tba.htm
Outreach/Technical Assistance
Brownfields and Land Revitalization Technology
Support Center
EPA created the Brownfields and Land Revitalization
Technology Support Center (BTSC) in 1998 to help
decision-makers evaluate strategies to streamline the
site investigation and cleanup process, identify and
review information about complex technology options,
evaluate contractor capabilities and recommendations,
and explain complex technologies to communities. BTSC
helps eligible parties when traditional site assessment
and cleanup approaches are too time-consuming and
expensive to support the redevelopment of their brown-
fields site. Services are classified into two categories:
direct support services and information requests.
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Eligibility Requirements: Direct support is available to
state and local governments, tribes, brownfields grant-
ees, EPA Regional Coordinators, EPA Remedial Project
Managers, EPA On-Scene Coordinators, and other EPA
regional staff. Information about site investigation and
cleanup activities is available to all brownfields stake-
holders including real estate professionals, financial
institutions, and other private redevelopment interests;
engineers, consultants, and other private remediation
professionals; potentially responsible parties; affected
communities; and members of the public.
Limitations: The BTSC offers two services: direct support
and information requests. Nongovernmental organiza-
tions are limited to information requests only.
Availability: Local and state government personnel, EPA
staff, tribes, and nonprofit organizations with active EPA
cleanup grants may request information or site-specific sup-
port for brownfields sites at no cost.
Uses/Applications:
• Review and provide comments on project documents
such as requests for proposals, work plans, field sam-
pling plans, and quality assurance plans
• Facilitate the consideration and use of the Triad approach
• Provide information about field-based technologies
for site assessment and cleanup
• Identify how dynamic work strategies and decision
support tools can be incorporated in site assess-
ment activities
• Evaluate remedial technologies and their advantages
and limitations for site-specific features and needs
• Share technical information with non-technical audiences
• Provide easy access to resources, tools, recent news,
and lessons learned
• Review literature and electronic resources
• Provide demonstration planning support
www. brown fields tsc. org
Technology Innovation Program
The Technology Innovation Program advocates more
effective, less costly approaches by government and in-
dustry to assess and clean up contaminated waste sites,
soil, and groundwater. It provides robust technology and
market information, and works to remove policy and
institutional impediments related to the deployment of
these technologies. Technologies of interest are for field
sampling and analysis, and management (treatment and
containment) of contaminated soil and groundwater.
Eligibility Requirements: TheTechnology Innovation
Program works with other federal agencies, states, con-
sulting engineering firms, responsible parties, technology
developers, and the investment community.
Limitations: The program does not focus on technolo-
gies for industrial or municipal wastes, recycling, or
waste minimization.
Availability: The program includes support for brown-
fields and state voluntary cleanup programs.
Uses/Applications:
• Advocate more effective, less costly approaches to as-
sess and clean up contaminated waste sites, soil, and
groundwater
• Provide information about technologies for field sam-
pling and analysis and management of contaminated
soil and groundwater
• Work to remove policy and institutional impediments
related to the deployment of innovative technologies
• Support several other Web sites related to assessing
and cleaning up contaminated sites, soil, and ground-
water
www.clu-in.org/abouttip/
Technical Assistance to Brownfields Communi-
ties Program
Under the Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB)
Communities Program, EPA awards grants to organiza-
tions that provide geographically based technical assis-
tance and training on brownfields issues to communities
and other stakeholders. The goal is to increase com-
munity understanding and involvement in brownfields
cleanup and redevelopment. The TAB grantees serve as
an independent source of information assisting commu-
nities with community involvement; better understand-
ing of the health impacts of brownfields sites; science
and technology relating to brownfields site assessment,
cleanup, and site preparation activities; brownfields
finance questions; and integrated approaches to brown-
fields cleanup and redevelopment.
In FY 2008, EPA awarded TAB grants to four organiza-
tions to offer these services directly to communities.
TAB grantees are the New Jersey Institute of Technol-
ogy, Enterprise Corporation of the Delta, Inc., Kansas
State University, and Center for Creative Land Recycling.
TAB grants replace the previous technical assistance to
brownfields communities provided through several Haz-
ardous Substance Research Centers.
-------
Eligibility Requirements: Communities and munici-
palities facing brownfields challenges can determine if
they can get technical assistance by contacting the TAB
grantee that supports their geographic area.
Availability: Most TAB services are provided free of
charge, but applicants should check with their specific
TAB providers.
Uses/Applications:
• Review and explain brownfields-related technical reports
• Provide information about basic science, environ-
mental policy, and other technical matters related to
brownfields sites
• Help understand health risks associated with a
brownfields property
• Help with financing brownfields projects
• Help understand science or environmental policy
• Provide information to assist with understanding en-
vironmental issues and how they affect brownfields
cleanup and redevelopment
• Facilitate brownfields redevelopment efforts by sup-
porting community and other stakeholder involve-
ment activities
• Sponsor a workshop
• Hold a Webinar or provide other Web-based tools
• Provide answers to questions posted on a Web site
• Provide information through a newsletter, resource
center, and case studies
• Work with local, state, or federal governments
• Help with special projects
www.eDa.aov/brownfields/tools/tab bifold.pdf
Patricia Overmeyer
U.S. EPA, Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization
Mail Code 5105 T
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20460
202-566-2774
overmever.patricia@epa.gov
Main Site
h ttp://www.epa.gov
Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization
httD://www.eDa.aov/brownfields/
From 2000 to 2008, the City of Waterloo received
approximately $1.65 million in brownfields funding
from EPA including a supplemental assistance grant,
hazardous materials assessment grants, petroleum
assessment grants, cleanup grants, and a revolv-
ing loan fund grant. Initial assessment grants and a
subsequent supplemental assistance grant focused
on performing Phase I and Phase II environmental
site assessments of brownfield properties in the
Rath Neighborhood. By integrating a revolving loan
fund with other assistance programs, Waterloo de-
veloped the necessary tools to encourage cleanup
and redevelopment of environmentally impaired
properties. Success in the Rath Neighborhood led to
assessment and cleanup of additional brownfields in
Waterloo. The city has leveraged nearly $43 million
in federal and state grants. This funding is helping to
attain the city's objectives of revitalizing its central
business district and economy while reducing con-
sumption of farmland.
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Federal Housing Finance Agency
Mission
The Federal Housing Finance Agency's (FHFA) mission is to
promote a stable and liquid mortgage market, affordable
housing, and community investment through oversight
of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the nation's 12 Federal
Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks).
FHFA formed in 2008 by a legislative merger of the Federal
Housing Finance Board (former regulator of the FHLBanks),
Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, and U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development's govern-
ment-sponsored enterprise mission team. The FHFA now
regulates the FHLBanks, which are government-chartered,
member-owned corporations. There are about 8,100
FHLBank members, including commercial banks, thrifts,
credit unions, and insurance companies. Each member is a
shareholder in one of the FHLBanks.
The FHLBanks provide long-term loans (called "advances")
to their members who use the proceeds to make loans
to individuals or entities in the community for residential
mortgages and community economic development activi-
ties, including brownfields redevelopment projects. Only
members of FHLBanks receive advances from their respec-
tive FHLBank.
The key lending programs are the Affordable Housing
Program (AHP), the Community Investment Program (CIP),
which has housing and community development com-
ponents, and the Community Investment Cash Advances
(CICA) program for community development. All the
FHLBanks offer an AHP and CIP, and most offer one or
more types of CICA programs. The CICA program provides
financing for targeted economic development projects,
including brownfields.
Brownfields Connections
• FHLBanks finance their member institutions to pro-
vide a wide range of affordable housing projects,
rental and owner-occupied, as well as single-family
and multi-family units
• FHLBanks encourage member institutions to engage
in lending to meet community development needs,
such as housing and economic development, which
can take place on brownfields sites
• FHLBanks use a variety of financing tools for redevel-
opment such as the purchase of taxable and tax-ex-
empt bonds and issuance of letters of credit backing
such bonds
Finan da I Assist an ce
Community Investment Program
Each FHLBank operates a CIP that offers below-market-
rate loans to its member institutions for long-term financ-
ing of housing or for community economic development
that benefits low- and moderate-income families and
neighborhoods. CIP is an "advance"or loan that a member
financial institution borrows from its FHLBank to loan to a
project. CIP loans support projects that create and pre-
serve jobs and help build infrastructure to catalyze com-
munity growth. CIP loans may be combined with other
housing or community development funds.
Eligibility Requirements: Projects funded by the member
institutions of an FHLBank must meet several requirements
depending on the type of project. Projects may involve
owner-occupied and rental housing; construction of, for
instance, roads, bridges, retail stores, or sewage treatment
plants; and small business loans to create or retain jobs.
Limitations: Advances are made only on a secured basis
with collateral requirements consistent with those on all
FHLBank credit programs. Advances to refinance debt are
generally not allowed under the CIP.
Availability: Advances are available in various maturities
including long-term maturities, such as 20 years, on a con-
tinuous basis through FHLB member institutions.
Uses/Applications:
• Home purchases by families with incomes at or below
115 percent of the area median
• Purchase or rehabilitation of rental housing for fami-
lies with incomes at or below 115 percent of the area
median
• Commercial and economic development activities,
including brownfields, that benefit low- and moderate-
income families (those at or below 80 percent of me-
dian income) or activities that are located in low- and
moderate-income neighborhoods
• Projects that include a combination of these activities
Community Investment Cash Advances Programs
The CICA programs offer funding, often at below-market
interest rates, for members to use to finance economic
development projects in low-to-moderate income neigh-
borhoods. As with the CIP, many of these advances are for
long terms. Example projects are brownfields redevelop-
-------
ment; commercial, industrial, manufacturing, and social
services projects; infrastructure; and public facilities and
services. CICA includes several different types of activi-
ties. Most notably are the Rural Development Advance
Program, Urban Development Advance Program, and CIP.
Eligibility Requirements: Only FHLBank members may
borrow CICA funds. Eligibility requirements for project
funding vary among FHLBanks.
Limitations: Before applying, each FHLBank must have
a Community Lending Plan that describes its program
objectives and funding availability.
Uses/Applications: CICA has provided assistance to:
• Brownfields cleanup and redevelopment projects in
areas eligible for a federal brownfields tax credit
• Champion Communities, Empowerment Zones, or
Enterprise Communities
• Housing, commercial, industrial, and other economic
development activities
• Areas affected by federal military base closings
• Small businesses as defined by the Small Business
Administration
• Tribal homelands
Affordable Housing Program
The AHP subsidizes the cost of owner-occupied housing for
individuals and families with incomes at or below 80 percent
of the area median income (AMI), and rental housing in which
at least 20 percent of the units are reserved for households
with incomes at or below 50 percent of AMI with affordable
rents. The subsidy may be in the form of a grant or a below-
cost subsidized interest rate on an advance.
FHLBanks contribute 10 percent of their net income to afford-
able housing through the AHP. AHP funds are primarily avail-
able through a competitive application program at each of
the FHLBanks.This competitive grant program is the largest
source of private sector grants for housing and community
development in the country.
In addition to the funds awarded in the competitive pro-
gram, AHP funds are awarded through the homeownership
set-aside program. An FHLBank may set aside an amount
up to the greater of $3 million or 25 percent of its AHP funds
each year to assist low- and moderate-income households
purchase homes. In the set-aside program, members provide
grants directly to households for downpayment and closing
costs, and in some cases, counseling and rehabilitation costs.
Each member sets its own maximum grant amount, which
may not exceed $15,000 per household.
Eligibility Requirements: Only member financial institutions
of an FHLBank can apply for AHP funds. To be considered
eligible for AHP funding, housing projects must meet eight
requirements, including those related to occupancy, feasibil-
ity, need, timing, retention of owner-occupied or rental units,
and project sponsor qualifications.
Limitations: Projects using AHP funds are subject to retention
requirements. The retention period is five years for homeown-
ership projects. Rental projects must maintain household
income and rental payment restrictions during a 15-year
retention period.
Availability: Each FHLBank has one or more AHP funding
rounds each year in which members submit applications on be-
half of sponsors and developers of affordable housing projects.
Uses/Applications: Over the years the AHP has provided
assistance to:
• Low- and moderate-income homeowners and first-time
homebuyers
• Very low-income residents of rental housing
• Special-needs households, including the elderly, dis-
abled, homeless, or victims of domestic violence who
need supportive services
• Residents in rural communities
• Residents in urban areas
Charles McLean, Office of Housing Mission and Goals,
Federal Home Loan Banks
Federal Housing Finance Agency
1625 Eye Street, NW4th Floor
Washington, DC 20006-4001
202-408-2537
Charles.Mcleanc@fhfa.gov
Main Site
h ttp://www. fhfa.gov
A 115-mile corridor spanning Palm Beach, Broward
and Miami-Dade Counties encompasses more than
2,100 known contaminated sites. The brownfields vary
widely in size, degree and type of contamination. The
Eastward Ho! Brownfields Partnership seeks to allevi-
ate growth pressure on the Everglades by encouraging
sustainable brownfields reuse. FHFA, one of 16 federal
agencies that partnered with Eastward Ho!, provided
information and technical assistance on accessing the
Federal Home Loan banking system.This assistance
gave credibility to the Eastward Ho! Brownfields Part-
nership and increased access to loans from local banks.
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General Services Administration
Mission
The General Services Administration (GSA) leverages
the buying power of the federal government to acquire
best value for taxpayers and its federal customers. With
thousands of federal properties throughout the country,
the GSA is partnering with communities to target unde-
rused federal properties. GSA works to expedite federal
property reuse by promoting tools such as Early Transfer
Authority and fixed price remediation contracts.
Brownfields Connections
GSA reviews and identifies unused and underused feder-
ally owned brownfields that are potentially available for
redevelopment. Brownfields transactions are primarily
real estate deals, and in the case of available federal
properties, GSA can serve as the "honest broker" in these
transactions, bringing the right resources and people
to the table to get the deal done. To carry out this role,
GSA:
• Developed a process that involves bringing stake-
holders together on issues related to contaminated
properties
• Educates potential federal property developers on
the federal real property disposal process
• Educates states and communities engaged in brown-
fields revitalization about innovative disposal meth-
ods, such as Early Transfer Authority and the privati-
zation of remediation
GSA works with local communities to determine how
underused or surplus federal properties can support re-
vitalization. GSA's Office of Real Property Utilization and
Disposal has formed an Environmental Team, comprised
of key individuals from its regional Property Disposal Of-
fice, to coordinate with state and federal representatives
to ensure that the identification of underutilized federal
properties incorporates the latest state and federal revi-
talization initiatives.
Technical Assistance
Brownfields Redevelopment Initiative
GSA's Brownfields Redevelopment Initiative identifies
and redeploys underutilized federal properties. Within
each of its brownfields project locations, GSA works with
state and local planners, economic development offi-
cials, and community groups to effectively match unde-
rused federal property holdings with local revitalization
objectives. GSA, guided by local objectives, focuses and
prioritizes the disposal of underutilized real property.
Eligibility Requirements: Assistance is provided to local
officials, community stakeholders, and state and federal
agencies.
Availability: To address potential federal brownfields,
GSA identified 39 cities with diverse brownfields loca-
tions. Project locations were chosen based upon existing
partnerships among federal, state, and local organiza-
tions already working to better the economic and social
well-being of these communities. For a list of all project
locations, please check the Brownfields Redevelopment
Initiative Web site.
Uses/Applications:
• Ensure that underutilized federal properties are a
productive component in local revitalization and liv-
ability efforts
http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.
do?contentTvpe=GSA OVERVIEW&contentlD=W033
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Lee Anne Galanes
General Services Administration
Office of Real Property Asset Management
Property Disposal Division (PVB)
18th and F Streets NW, Room 4233
Washington, DC 20405
202-501-2287
leeanne.galanes@gsa.gov
Main Site
http://www.gsa.gov
Office of Real Property Disposal
http://gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.
do?contentTvpe=GSA OVERVIEW&content=20140
Through the Brownfields Redevelopment Initiative,
GSA transferred parcels of the former National Aero-
nautics and Space Administration (NASA)/Downey
industrial plant to the City of Downey for the devel-
opment of Downey Landing, a $300 million state-of-
the-art medical facility complex, movie studio, retail
center, public park, and outer space learning center.
The site previously had operated for 70 years as a
rocket and missile research and manufacturing facil-
ity, and was home to the Apollo program. Working
with NASA and the California Regional Water Qual-
ity Control Board, GSA facilitated a privatized final
cleanup, which allowed remediation and redevelop-
ment to occur concurrently, which saved money.
This was done pursuant to a transfer agreement
between the GSA and the City of Downey, greatly
expediting the reuse process and allowing develop-
ment to proceed more rapidly.
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Small Business Administration
Mission
The Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in
1953 as an independent agency of the federal govern-
ment to aid, counsel, assist, and protect the interests of
small business concerns, to preserve free competitive
enterprise, and to maintain and strengthen the overall
economy of the nation. It recognizes that small business is
critical to the economic recovery and strength, to building
America's future, and to helping the United States com-
pete in today's global marketplace. Although the SBA has
grown and evolved in the years since it was established
in 1953, the bottom line mission remains the same. The
SBA helps Americans start, build, and grow businesses.
Through an extensive network of field offices and partner-
ships with public and private organizations, the SBA deliv-
ers its services to people throughout the United States,
Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.
The SBA's guiding principles are:
• It inspires creativity in the American economy by
developing and supporting entrepreneurs through a
vast network of resource partners.
• It advocates for all small businesses by taking leader-
ship in building a productive partnership between
the American people and their government.
• Its team focuses on delivering results for small busi-
ness, and being accountable, accessible, and respon-
sive.
• It empowers the spirit of entrepreneurship within
every community to promote and realize the Ameri-
can dream.
• It facilitates the environment necessary for America's
small businesses to succeed, measuring its perfor-
mance by small business success.
Brownfields Connections
The SBA encourages the redevelopment of brownfields,
and SBA loan guarantees are available to small busi-
nesses interested in locating on revitalized brownfields.
Typically, this occurs through utilization of one or more
of these nine factors:
• Indemnification
• Completed remediation
• "No Further Action" letter obtained
"Minimal contamination"achieved
Cleanup funds approved
Escrow account available
Groundwater contamination originating from another site
Additional or substitute collateral is pledged
Other factors such as the existence of adequate envi-
ronmental insurance
Finan da I Assist an ce
The SBA provides a number of financial assistance
programs for small businesses, including CDC/504 and
7(a) loans.
Certified Development Company (CDQ/504
Program
The CDC/504 loan program is a long-term financing tool
for economic development within a community. The 504
Program provides growing businesses with long-term,
fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land
and buildings. A Certified Development Company is a
nonprofit corporation set up to contribute to the eco-
nomic development of its community. There are about
270 CDCs nationwide, with each covering a specific
geographic area.
Typically, a 504 project includes a loan secured with a
senior lien from a private-sector lender covering up to 50
percent of the project cost, a loan secured with a junior
lien from the CDC (backed by a 100 percent SBA-guaran-
teed debenture) covering up to 40 percent of the costs,
and a contribution of at least 10 percent equity from the
small business being helped.
Eligibility Requirements: Eligible entities include busi-
nesses that are operated for profit and fall within the size
standards set by the SBA. Under the 504 program, the
business qualifies as small if it does not have a tangible
net worth in excess of $7,500,000 and does not have an
average net income in excess of $2,500,000 after taxes
for the preceding two years.
Limitations: The 504 program cannot be used for work-
ing capital or inventory, consolidating or repaying debt,
or refinancing. Loans cannot be made to businesses en-
gaged in speculation or investment in rental real estate.
-------
Availability: The maximum SBA debenture is $1,500,000
when meeting the job creation criteria or a community
development goal. The maximum SBA debenture is
$2,000,000 when meeting a public policy goal. The maxi-
mum debenture for "Small Manufacturer" is $4,000,000.
Uses/Applications:
• Purchase land and make improvements, including
existing buildings, grading, street improvements,
utilities, parking lots, and landscaping
• Construct new facilities, or modernize, renovate, or
convert existing facilities
• Purchase long-term machinery and equipment
www.sba.gov/services/financialassistance/sbaloantopics/
cdc504/index.html
Basic 7(a) Loan Program
The 7(a) name comes from section 7(a) of the Small Busi-
ness Act. 7(a) loans are the most basic and most used
type of loan of the SBA's business loan programs. All
7(a) loans are provided by lenders who are called par-
ticipants because they participate with SBA in the 7(a)
program. Not all lenders choose to participate, but most
American banks do. There are also some non-bank lend-
ers who participate with SBA in the 7(a) program, which
expands the availability of lenders making loans under
SBA guidelines.
The program helps qualified small businesses obtain
financing when they might not be eligible for business
loans through normal lending channels. It is also the
SBA's most flexible business loan program, since financ-
ing under this program can be guaranteed for a variety
of general business purposes.
Eligibility Requirements: All businesses that are con-
sidered for financing under SBA's 7(a) program must
meet SBA size standards, be for-profit, not already have
the internal resources (business or personal) to provide
the financing, and be able to demonstrate repayment.
Certain variations of the SBA's 7(a) loan program may
also require additional eligibility criteria. Special purpose
programs will identify those additional criteria. Eligibility
criteria for 7(a) loans include size, type of business, use
of proceeds, and availability of funds from other sources.
Limitations: SBA does not fully guarantee 7(a) loans. The
lender and SBA share the risk that a borrower will not be
able to repay the loan in full.
Uses/Applications:
• Working capital
• Purchase, renovation, and new construction of land
or buildings
• Acquisition of equipment, machinery, furniture, and
fixtures
• Leasehold improvements
• Debt refinancing (under special conditions)
www.sba.gov/services/financialassistance/
sbaloantopics/7a/index.html
Outreach/Technical Assistance
Office of Small Business Development Centers
The Office of Small Business Development Centers
(SBDC) provides management assistance to current and
prospective small business owners. SBDCs offer one-stop
assistance to individuals and small businesses by provid-
ing a wide variety of information and guidance to central
and easily accessible branch locations. The program is a
cooperative effort of the private sector, the educational
community, and federal, state, and local government.
It is an integral component of Entrepreneurial Devel-
opment's network of training and counseling services.
There are SBDCs in all 50 states and the District of
Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the
Virgin Islands.
There also are funding opportunities within the SBDC
through Faith-Based Initiatives, Veterans and Reservists
Assistance, SBDC National Information Clearinghouse,
SBA's Drug Free Workplace Program, Disaster Assistance,
Portable Assistance, and Energy Efficiency.
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants should review each
program's eligibility requirements.
www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/sbdc/index.html
Office of Women's Business Ownership
The Office of Women's Business Ownership exists to
establish and oversee a network of Women's Business
Centers throughout the United States and its territories.
Through the management and technical assistance pro-
vided by the Women's Business Centers, entrepreneurs,
especially women who are economically or socially
disadvantaged, are offered comprehensive training and
counseling on a vast array of topics in many languages
to help them start and grow their own businesses.
www.sba.aov/aboutsba/sbaDroarams/onlinewbc/index.html
-------
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to educat-
ing entrepreneurs and the formation, growth, and suc-
cess of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource
partner with the SBA. It has 370 chapters throughout
the United States and its territories, with 11,200 volun-
teers nationwide. Both working and retired executives
and business owners donate time and expertise as
business counselors.
www.score.om/index.html
Rachel Newman Karton
Small Business Administration
Office of Small Business Development Centers
409 3rd Street, NW, 6th Floor
Washington, DC 20416
202-619-1816
rachel.newman@sba.gov
Main Site
www.sba.aov
The cities of Maiden, Medford and Everett are known
for the manufacturing and industrial activities centered
around the Maiden River and abutting railroads. The
three cities have joined together on a project to con-
struct a state-of-the-art telecommunications research
and development park, called TeleCom City. In 2001,
SBA executed the release of a lien on a property to be
donated to the Mystic Valley Development Commission
for the Commercial Street/Corporation Way recon-
struction. The design plan called for an initial phase of
331,200 square feet of office and research and develop-
ment space and 200 units of housing on a 30-acre site
in Medford.
-------
-------
Federal Tax Incentives and Credits
Often, the success of a brownfields redevelopment proj-
ect depends in large part on crafting a financing pack-
age that takes advantage of federal programs that offer
tax incentives or credits for various components of the
project. Since the Brownfields Law was enacted in 2002,
there has been increasing emphasis on building partner-
ships among federal agencies that offer targeted resources
that can be used to support brownfields projects.
Creatively crafted and carefully targeted incentives and
credits can help advance cleanup activities and prepare
properties for reuse. This section provides an overview of
federal tax incentives and credits that can be leveraged
for brownfields cleanup, redevelopment, and reuse. The
following topics are outlined:
Brownfields Expensing Tax Incentive
New Markets Tax Credits
Low Income Housing Tax Credits
Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits
State Finance Support
-------
Brownfields Expensing Tax Incentive
Designed to spur investment in blighted properties and
assist in revitalizing communities, the federal brownfields
tax incentive is a critical tool in brownfields cleanup
and redevelopment efforts. It encourages brownfields
cleanup and redevelopment by allowing taxpayers to re-
duce their taxable income by the cost of eligible cleanup
expenses. It aims to level the economic playing field be-
tween greenfield and brownfield development through
favorable tax treatment of cleanup costs.
Both large- and small-scale cleanup and redevelopment
activities can benefit from the use of the brownfield ex-
pensing tax incentive. Projects ranging from large office
buildings to small commercial strips have successfully
integrated it as a key part of their financing packages. In
order to create consistency in tax and accounting proce-
dures throughout the life of the project, the tax incen-
tive is most beneficial to property owners when used in
the early planning stages of the cleanup and redevelop-
ment process.
How the Program Works: By using the federal brown-
fields tax incentive, environmental cleanup costs are
fully deductible in the year that they are incurred, rather
than capitalized over several years. There are three re-
quirements to qualify:
• The property must be held by the taxpayer incurring
the eligible cleanup expenses for use in a trade or
business or for the production of income.
• Hazardous substances must be present or potentially
present on the property.
• Taxpayers must obtain a statement from a desig-
nated state agency (typically, the state environmental
agency overseeing the VCP) verifying that the site is a
brownfield and, therefore, is eligible for the tax incen-
tive. Participation in the VCP satisfies this requirement.
In December 2006, Congress broadened the definition of
eligible hazardous substances (for purposes of the tax in-
centive) to include petroleum products. This made thou-
sands of former gas stations and underground storage
tank (UST) sites eligible. Properties listed or proposed for
listing on EPA's National Priorities List (NPL) have never
been eligible for this tax incentive.
To be eligible for expensing, the costs must be incurred
for the abatement or control of a release or threat of a
release or disposal of a hazardous substance at a prop-
erty. Costs for activities such as implementation and
monitoring of institutional controls, construction of ac-
cess roads that serve as caps, demolition and removal of
contaminated materials, and state VCP oversight fees are
eligible expenditures. Site assessment and investigation
activities also qualify, if incurred in connection with the
abatement or control of hazardous substances at a quali-
fied contaminated site.
The steps to qualify for and claim the tax incentive are
simple and straightforward:
• The site owner begins planning for a cleanup and
redevelopment project and determines that a hazard-
ous substance is present or potentially present on the
property.
• The site owner contacts the designated state agency
to determine the required documentation and then
submits appropriate documents showing that hazard-
ous substances are present or potentially present.
• The designated state agency verifies submitted infor-
mation and provides a statement to the site owner
verifying eligibility for the tax incentive. In most
cases, this is a very quick process. (The Congressional
Research Service found that virtually every state was
able make a determination in less than a month, and
three states, New Jersey, Texas, and Wisconsin, turned
around requests in three days or less.) Once the state-
ment is issued, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
considers it valid for the life of the tax incentive.
• To claim the deduction, small business taxpayers
write "Section 198 Election" on their income tax re-
turn next to the line where the deduction is claimed.
Companies or partnerships with more than $10 mil-
lion in assets fill out Schedule M-3.
Lyme Properties, LLC and its partners invested $46
million to acquire, investigate, and clean a ten-acre
former manufactured gas plant and redevelop the
property as Kendall Square, one of the most desirable
office and commercial developments in Cambridge.
The company was one of the first developers to take
advantage of the federal brownfield expensing tax
incentive. Using this incentive, Lyme Properties, LLC
was able to expense nearly $25 million in cleanup
costs. The company also was able to use state tax
incentives tied to incurred environmental remedia-
tion costs.
-------
Advantages for Brownfields Site Redevelopers: In-
tegrating the tax incentive into a project's financing
strategy can enhance project cash flow by offsetting
cleanup costs. Use of the tax incentive gives brownfields
developers an added boost in income for the year they
invest in cleanup. Previously, buyers of a contaminated
property had to purchase the property at its impaired
value and then capitalize any cleanup costs over many
years. Small businesses in the environmental cleanup
and consulting sector have used the tax incentive to
complete successful brownfields cleanup and redevel-
opment projects, which has encouraged businesses to
seek out brownfields sites for expansion or relocation.
The tax expensing incentive also can be used to leverage
money used for construction. For example, in a situation
where soil contamination is capped with a parking lot,
the service costs related to the soil remediation and cap
construction are expensible.
Limitations: Site owners may want to consult their state
program or a tax attorney to determine activities that
would be considered qualified expenditures. The incen-
tive is scheduled to expire on December 31,2009. If a
taxpayer decides to claim the incentive in future years
because cleanup was completed during one of the
periods in which the incentive's authority had lapsed, an
amended tax return can be filed up to three years after
filing the original return (two years if a refund is sought).
In addition, the incentive is subject to "recapture," mean-
ing that the gain realized from expensing is taxed as
ordinary income rather than at lower capital gains rates
when the property is later sold. This discourages its us
for projects where the developer is not the end user.
U.S. EPA Brownfields Tax Incentive Web site available at:
http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/bftaxinc.htmfother
The Web site contains background information, program
descriptions, frequently asked questions, case studies,
and historical information.
Designated state agency contacts are available at:
www.epa.gov/s werosps/bf/s txcn tct. h tm
IRS information sources include IRS Publication 954: Tax
Incentives for Empowerment Zones and Other Distressed
Communities available at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/
p954.pdf and IRS Revenue Procedure 98-47, Expensing of
Environmental Remediation Costs available at http://www.
unclefed.com/Tax-Bulls/1998/rp98-47.Ddf.
The BrownfieldTax Expensing Incentive proved to
be a critical financing incentive in the cleanup and
redevelopment of an 8.5-acre former landfill and
penicillin production facility. Given the magnitude
of the cleanup, the federal incentive provided the
developer with nearly $800,000 in tax relief—a criti-
cal cash-flow benefit that supported financing of
the site cleanup and subsequent construction of a
new business center and public services complex.
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Wew Markets Tax Credits
The New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program is designed
to stimulate the economies of distressed urban and rural
communities and create jobs in low-income communi-
ties by expanding the availability of credit, investment
capital, and financial services. The NMTC program was
created through the Community Renewal Act of 2000.
It is administered by the Community Development
Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund within the U.S. Depart-
ment of the Treasury. Each year, tax credits are allocated
through the CDFI Fund for distribution to qualified
Community Development Entities (CDEs). CDEs include
a range of for-profit and nonprofit organizations, such as
community development corporations, CDFIs, organiza-
tions that administer community development venture
capital funds or community loan funds, small business
development corporations, specialized small business
investment companies, and others. Brownfields develop-
ers can approach existing CDEs to fund their projects or
may, in certain circumstances, consider applying for CDE
certification themselves.
Given their focus on distressed areas, many of which are
characterized by blighted and abandoned buildings,
NMTCs have significant potential to support brown-
fields projects. In October 2008, the U.S. Department of
Treasury announced $3.5 billion in new allocations. Since
the program's inception, more than $9 billion has been
invested in more than 2,000 business and real estate
developments in low-income communities. More than
half of all CDE investments since the program's inception
have been in businesses in low-income communities.
The 2008 recipients of tax credit allocations indicated
that they planned to use 52 percent of their proceeds to
finance and support real estate and business projects in
low-income communities. This unique funding mecha-
nism is a viable option for many brownfields reusers.
How the Program Works: The NMTC program allows cer-
tified CDEs to competitively apply for an allocation from
the CFDI Fund tax credit pool. Once a CDE receives an
allocation of tax credits, the CDE can offer the tax credits
to private-sector investors, including banks, insurance
companies, corporations, and individuals. Investors
acquire (using cash only) stock or a capital interest in
the CDE. In return for its "qualified equity investment,"
the investor gains a potential return on its investment
in the CDE as well as a tax credit that totals 39 percent
of the amount of the investment and is claimed over a
seven-year period. In each of the first three years, the
investor receives a credit equal to five percent of the
total amount paid for the stock or capital interest at the
time of purchase. For the final four years, the value of the
credit is six percent annually. Investors may not redeem
their investments in CDEs prior to the conclusion of the
seven-year period.
For a hypothetical $100,000 investment:
YR1:
YR2:
YR3:
YR4:
YR5:
YR6:
YR7:
TOTAL:
$5,000
$5,000
$5,000
$6,000
$6,000
$6,000
$6,000
$39,000
Each investor can claim 5% or
$5,000 annually from their
federal income tax in years one
to three of the tax credit. In
years four through seven, the
investors can claim 6% or
$6,000 per year. The total tax
credit value to the investor over
seven years is $39,000 or 39%.
In return for providing the tax credit to the investor, the
CDE receives cash. The CDE must invest "substantially all"
of the proceeds into qualified low-income community
investments (QLICIs). Eligible QLICIs include, but are not
limited to, loans to or investments in businesses to be
used for developing residential, commercial, industrial,
and retail real estate projects. Examples of QLICIs include:
• Direct investments in qualified low-income, commu-
nity-based businesses
• Purchase of loans made by a CDE to qualified low-in-
come businesses, which allows a return via a second-
ary market-type approach
• Financial counseling and other technical services to
qualified active low-income community businesses.
• Loans or investments in real estate projects, including
brownfields cleanup and redevelopment
In short, the CDE secures investors through the sale of
stock or issuance of an equity interest in exchange for
tax credits, and then uses the resulting investor equity
to make investments in low-income communities. More
than half of all CDE investments are investments in real
estate or businesses.
Before it is eligible to receive NMTCs, a CDE must be-
come certified. The Department of the Treasury's CDFI
Fund evaluates applications for CDE certification in four
areas: business strategy, capitalization strategy, manage-
ment capacity, and community impact. In addition, the
CDE must demonstrate how it will maintain account-
ability to residents of low-income communities, typi-
cally through representation on a governing or advisory
board. Community entities applying to become a CDE
may submit CDE certification applications at any time of
-------
year to the CDFI Fund. The CDE application process can
be lengthy, but it is straightforward and decisions are
made relatively quickly. Once an organization is certified,
the designation lasts for the life of the organization. Both
nonprofit and for-profit groups may apply to be certified
by the CDFI Fund.
While the CDE certification and the Department of Trea-
sury allocation processes are complex, the actual opera-
tion of the NMTC program is relatively simple:
• An investor (taxpayer) decides to seek NMTCs (say, for
a $100,000 investment).
• The investor identifies a CDE that has received a
NMTC allocation (listed on the Department of Trea-
sury's website).
• The identified CDE is completing a mixed-use redevelop-
ment project, which could be on a brownfields property.
• In exchange for the $100,000 investment in the CDE's
project, the taxpayer receives $39,000 worth of tax
credits (over the seven year schedule noted above).
• The investor will also receive stock or an equity inter-
est in the CDE's redevelopment project.
Advantages for Brownfields Site Redevelopers:The NMTC
program offers several advantages to developers seeking
financing to clean and reuse brownfields properties.
• CDEs may be willing to structure a more favorable
deal than traditional lending institutions for brown-
fields projects, which can be a key consideration
when lending is tight.
• CDEs can offer funding fora full range of redevelop-
ment activities, including land acquisition, environmen-
tal remediation, demolition, site preparation, construc-
tion, renovation, and infrastructure improvements,
making them a true "one-stop"financing source.
• CDEs involved with brownfields cleanup and rede-
velopment projects, especially nonprofit entities,
can facilitate packaging of different public financing
sources for one project. Financing sources could in-
clude state and local programs and credits, initiatives
CDFI Fund
Gwes credits to
Give credits to (against Federal Income tax)
Investors
Community
Development
Entity
(CDE)
Get stock or capital interest in
Low-Income
Communities
Invests in or
Lends to CDEs
Which may
Finance
Brown fields
Redevelopment
Projects
Provides
Financial
Counseling and
Related Services
Purchases Loans
from CDEs
Which may Include
Community
Developoment
Loans for
Brownfields
Redevelopment
Projects
Invests in or
Lends to Qualified
Active Lower
Income
Community
Businesses
(QALICBs)
Which may Include
Brownfields
Redevelopment
Projects
-------
such as tax increment financing, and federal pro-
grams such as the Department of Housing and Urban
Development's CDBGs and EPA's brownfields grants.
• Tax credits available to investors through CDEs can
induce investors to commit additional funds for quali-
fying projects or bring new investors to the table that
might not ordinarily consider investing in brownfields
projects located in low-income communities.
Brownfields stakeholders interested in making the NMTC
program part of their brownfields project financing strat-
egies generally follow one of three approaches:
• Contact existing CDEs for funding. Several of the 2007
CDE recipients of tax credit allocations have identi-
fied brownfields redevelopment as one of the goals
for their economic development efforts. Brownfields
developers should consult the CDFI/Treasury web site
to identify CDEs operating in their state.
• Apply for and achieve CDE certification, then ap-
ply for an allocation of tax credits and offer them to
potential investors. Although this process is more
complex, it is viable for stakeholders with sufficient
staff and technical capacity and commitment to
large-scale or long-term brownfields efforts.
• Apply for and achieve CDE certification, then apply to
other CDEs that have their own tax credit allocations
for equity financing. CDEs can invest in the projects
of other CDEs, including brownfields projects, as long
as these investments are made in low-income areas.
However, little funding has been made available
through this channel in recent years. Only 1 percent
(about $26 million) of the 2008 allocations is project-
ed to be used this way.
Through the first six rounds of the NMTC Program, the
CDFI Fund has made 364 awards totaling $19.5 billion in
tax credit allocation authority. The sixth round of alloca-
tions was announced in October 2008. The $3.5 billion in
credits allocated in 2008 went to 70 private and non-
profit CDEs in 29 states, including:
• $1.23 billion to 21 CDEs in New York
• $1 billion to 17 CDEs in California
• $715 million to 13 CDEs in Texas
• $495 million to 8 CDEs in Washington
• $485 million to 8 CDEs in Ohio
• $631 million to 12 CDEs in Louisiana
• $587 million to 9 CDEs in Massachusetts
• $512 million to 9 CDEs in Pennsylvania
Limitations: CDEs can be a vital source of capital for
brownfields revitalization. Because of the underwriting
effort involved, the NMTC program tends to work best
for mid-sized and larger projects. While there is no hard
and fast rule, most NMTC projects are at least $1 million
in size. Although NMTCs have been used as part of the
financing for numerous brownfields projects, many CDEs
are unaware of the brownfields redevelopment process
and potential leveraging advantages. Consequently, the
first task facing local officials and community leaders
may be educating CDEs about the brownfields process
and the role that VCPs can play in bringing certainty and
closure to environmental concerns at these properties.
Community Development Financial Institutions Fund
601 13th Street, NW, Suite 200 South
Washington, DC 20005
NMTC Support Line: 202-622-6355
www.cdfifund.gov
The CDFI Fund Web site provides access to CDE applica-
tion materials and workshops, legal review services for
NMTC-related documents, and a map of qualified census
tracts and counties under the NMTC program. It also
contains lists of certified CDEs; recent NMTC recipients,
the amount of credits they can allocate, and their target
states for investing; and profiles of CDE-supported com-
munity revitalization projects.
Tech-One is a 300,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art,
high technology company small business incubator
located on a 47-acre former General Motors facil-
ity in downtown Detroit. The central piece of the
financing package for this redevelopment project
was a $6.2 million New Markets Tax Credit made by
several banks. The tax credit gave the banks flexibil-
ity to structure construction loans at more advanta-
geous rates than would have been available conven-
tionally. The tax credit transaction created a phased
funding source that provided an immediate $3.5
million infusion into the project, and reserved $2.7
million in follow-on funds as the renovation con-
tinued. Additional funding for the project included
Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits and Brownfield
Expensing Tax Credits from the State of Michigan.
By April 2009, Tech-One was home to more than 70
small businesses involved in public health, biobank-
ing, alternative energy, and advanced manufactur-
ing technologies.
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Low Income Housing Tax Credits
Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) were created
under the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to provide incen-
tives for the use of private equity in the development
of affordable housing for low-income Americans. The
program is administered at the state level with each
state getting an allocation of credits based on its popu-
lation. These credits are intended to ensure an attractive
minimum rate of return on this type of housing invest-
ment. LIHTC authority is given to each state according
to a formula: the state's population multiplied by $1.85,
with a minimum per state allocation of $2,125,000. Each
state can issue LIHTC tax-exempt bonds up to its allo-
cated level to attract investment capital for low-income
housing. LIHTCs may be used as part of a brownfields
financing package if affordable rental housing is part
of a project. They have been successfully used in many
states as part of mixed-income housing developments
and as infill projects on brownfields sites.
LIHTCs are more attractive than tax deductions because
they provide investors in affordable housing develop-
ments a dollar-for-dollar reduction in their federal taxes.
Development capital is raised by "syndicating" the credit
to an investor or a group of investors. As these credits
are syndicated, developers obtain equity capital neces-
sary to build or rehabilitate structures for low-income
housing. The tax credit is paid to investors annually over
a 10-year period. The funds generated through syndi-
cation vary from market to market and year to year. A
few years ago, LIHTCs generated about 85 to 95 cents
per tax credit dollar. The recent financial market tur-
moil has reduced demand for tax breaks. For example,
$10,000 credits annually for the next 10 years would
total $100,000, and a developer could probably raise
$75,000-$85,000 through syndication, which is less than
could have been raised for the few years prior to 2008.
State housing agencies administer the program by
reviewing tax credit applications submitted by develop-
ers and allocating the credits. As an IRS requirement,
projects that serve the lowest-income tenants and guar-
antee low-rent affordability for the longest time period
are given priority. In addition, owners must keep the
rental units available to low-income tenants for at least
30 years after completion of the project.
Both private and non-profit brownfields developers
can use LIHTCs to help finance low-income housing
projects. The tax credit program can be used either
to construct new buildings or to rehabilitate existing
buildings, which can include activities typically associat-
ed with brownfields reclamation. Rehabilitating existing
buildings includes converting buildings, such as for-
mer warehouses or factories, located on contaminated
properties. It can cover all activities associated with the
housing development, including cleanup, demolition,
and associated costs.
As part of their credit allocation plans, some states
have included policies to promote projects that address
specific geographic areas or distressed rural as well as
urban areas. To the extent that these policies dovetail
with local brownfields priorities, they may encourage
investment in brownfields revitalization.
The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA)
required states to include energy-efficient construction
as an allocation priority. To the extent that brownfields
housing projects can integrate "green" technologies
and approaches, they may become more attractive to
developers.
Over the past 20 years, states have received significant
levels of LIHTC allocations that have supported the
development of many housing units. Some of these
projects were on brownfields and many more could
have been placed on brownfields. Allocations range
from California, which has received $932.5 million in
credits to support more than 115,000 housing units, to
Wyoming, which garnered $18.5 million for 3,350 units.
How the Program Works: The LIHTC program authorizes
state housing credit agencies to award nine-percent tax
credits for projects receiving no other federal subsidy,
and four-percent credits for projects financed with tax-
exempt bonds. The tax credits are awarded to develop-
ers of affordable rental housing. Nonprofit and for-profit
developers apply for the tax credits to build and reha-
bilitate affordable rental housing. Tax credits are avail-
able only to help cover the cost of units within qualified
projects reserved for rental to low-income households.
The tax credits are used by developers to raise equity
financing from investors for their projects. The equity
capital generated from the tax credits lowers the debt
burden on LIHTC projects, making it easier for owners
to offer lower, more affordable rents. Investors, such
as banks, obtain a dollar-for-dollar reduction in their
federal tax liability. The tax credit is paid annually over a
10-year period.
The tax credit is available for units rented to low-income
occupants. To qualify, a project must have at least 20
percent of its units rented to households with incomes
-------
of 50 percent or less than the area median income, or at
least 40 percent of its units rented to households with
incomes of 60 percent or less than the area median in-
come. Although the developer may claim the tax credit
directly, generally investors receive the credits through
syndication. A syndicator acts as a broker between the
developer and investors in the project. Syndicators
may pool several projects'tax credits into one LIHTC
equity fund and offer the credits to investors that buy
a piece of the equity fund. This process spreads the risk
to investors across various projects. In addition, the in-
vestors typically become limited partners in the hous-
ing project and have an ownership interest. The devel-
oper typically receives a development and property
management fee plus a share in any cash flows and
any gain or profits when the property is sold. By using
the investor's equity, the developer is able to complete
the project with less debt-service financing. Thus, the
rents for the building can be reduced and serve lower-
income individuals.
Advantages for Brownfields Site Redevelopers: The
LIHTC program offers several advantages to developers
considering affordable housing projects on brownfields
sites. These range from cost savings to opportunities to
leverage other programs.
• LIHTCs offer an opportunity to restore buildings that
may have historical significance to provide afford-
able housing. These properties may be located in
distressed neighborhoods that will benefit from low-
income housing options. In other cases, the proper-
ties may be in emerging neighborhoods and can lead
to affordable housing for lower-wage workers closer
to their place of employment.
LIHTCs can be combined with federal historic
preservation tax credits to create a powerful invest-
ment incentive. If the brownfield is an historical
structure, it can be a relatively easy fit with low-in-
come housing development.
LIHTCs can bring new investors to the rede-
velopment table. They offer a strong incentive for
investors to consider financing a low-income housing
project on a brownfields property when they might
not normally consider it. This is especially true if a
syndicator is able to pool tax credits from several
projects and create a LIHTC equity fund, which can
reduce the liability risk for individual investors.
Nonprofit housing developers such as community de-
velopment corporations often find the program espe-
cially advantageous because each state must set aside
at least 10 percent of its credit allocation for projects
developed by nonprofits. The guaranteed return stem-
ming from the tax credit can attract private banks not
normally interested in housing or brownfields projects.
The nonprofit can sell the tax credits to investors or
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-------
syndicators and become the principal partner in the
project. The tax-related value of these credits would be
of little use to nonprofits since they already are exempt
from paying taxes.
Limitations: Brownfields housing projects have been
hindered by the same forces affecting the banking and
housing industries in the economic downturn. Reduced
credit, tighter bank underwriting, and tighter due dili-
gence standards have made all housing developments
more challenging. As indicated above, the lower syndi-
cation value of LIHTCs (currently well below the 2007
high of 95 cents on the dollar) has limited the viability of
many potential projects.
In addition, state LIHTC allocation plans may vary in
their treatment of projects sponsored by local housing
authorities. Some states may award bonus points to such
projects. Others states may require local housing author-
ities to work with nonprofit organizations to be eligible
to apply for tax credits. Stakeholders interested in infor-
mation about specific state policies should contact their
state housing authorities.
HDD's Office of Policy Development and Research maintains
the HUD USER web site, which contains an extensive data-
base of information on projects that have used the LIHTC.
HUD User
P.O. Box 23268
Washington, DC 20026-3268
Toll Free: 1-800-245-2691
h ttp://www. hud user, org/da tasets/lih tc.html
In addition, several housing nonprofit and advocacy
groups track LIHTC trends and activities, including:
National Low Income Housing Coalition
Among other useful information, the National Low
Income Housing Coalition's Web site includes a state re-
sources menu that provides information about individual
state programs and contacts.
727 15th Street NW, 6th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
202-662-1530
www.nlihc.org
National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies
2025 M. Street, NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
202-367-1197
www.nalhfa.org
The Allston-Brighton Community Development
Corporation (CDC) saw an opportunity to develop a
former fish processing plant site in Boston into the first
affordable housing constructed in the Allston-Brighton
neighborhood since the 1980s. However, access to
financing proved to be a barrier to redevelopment.
Following an environmental site assessment funded
by an EPA brownfields site assessment grant, the CDC
assembled a financing package that used low income
housing tax credits as a key component. These credits
helped to attract private capital (including Harvard
University community investment funds); provide the
comfort of a minimum, guaranteed, rate of return; and
convince investors and lenders that the project would
work. Today, 50 affordable units have been built and
are occupied in a sustainable development. The project
incorporates green construction techniques, a conge-
neration/biodiesel system, and pedestrian access to
basic services and transit.
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Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits
Historic rehabilitation tax credits were adopted by Con-
gress to discourage unnecessary demolition of sound old-
er buildings and to slow the loss of businesses from older
urban areas. The tax credits encourage private investment
in the cleanup and rehabilitation of historical properties.
The National Park Service (NFS) administers the program
in partnership with the IRS and State Historic Preservation
Offices (SHPOs).The rehabilitation tax credit is well-suited
for packaging with other economic development grant
and loan programs. According to data compiled by the
NFS in early 2009, about half of all projects claiming reha-
bilitation tax credits also leveraged other public develop-
ment programs into their financing packages. Property tax
abatements and low-interest loans are the most common-
ly used companion incentives.
Historic rehabilitation tax credits are an ideal brown-
fields financing tool. Their use at brownfields properties
is rapidly accelerating across the country. The tax cred-
its have helped attract redevelopment capital to many
projects in blighted and ignored areas not ordinarily
considered for investment. These projects encompass
a wide range of properties and project types, including
offices, hotels, retail stores, warehouses, factories, and
rental housing.
How the Program Works: This incentive offers private
investors a tax credit that can be claimed for the year in
which the renovated building is put into service. There
are two separate tax credits: one for the restoration of
certified historic properties and one for the rehabilita-
tion of older but non-certified properties.
A certified historic structure is defined as a building that is
listed in the National Register of Historic Places, either indi-
vidually or as a contributing building in a National Register
historic district, or as a contributing building within a local
historic district that has been certified by the U.S. Depart-
ment of the Interior. Rehabilitation of income-producing,
certified historic structures qualifies for a credit equal to
20 percent of the cost of the work. Rehabilitation work
on non-certified structures built before 1936 qualifies for
a credit equal to 10 percent of the cost of the work. Most
reconstruction work is eligible for the credit. All restored
buildings and properties must be income-producing and
rehabilitated according to standards set by the Depart-
ment of the Interior and enforced by theSHPOs.
The 20 percent tax credit is available for historic proper-
ties rehabilitated for commercial, industrial, agricultural,
or rental residential purposes, but not for properties
used exclusively as an owner's private residence. Work-
ing in conjunction with state historic preservation agen-
cies, the NPS must approve all rehabilitation projects
seeking to use the 20 percent tax credit. The rehabilita-
tion must be consistent with the historic character of
the property. Owners seeking to claim the 20 percent
tax credit must complete a detailed application process
and maintain certification throughout the rehabilitation
work. Generally, the tax credit is claimed for the year the
rehabilitated building is placed back into service. The
owner of the building must hold it for five years after
completing rehabilitation or be subject to a staggered
recapture of the tax credit.
In addition, a rehabilitation project must meet several
IRS criteria to qualify for the tax credit:
• The structure must be depreciable.
• The rehabilitation must be "substantial," defined as
expenditures greater than $5,000.
• The property must be returned to an income-produc-
ing use.
• The building must be a certified historic structure
when returned to service.
The 10 percent tax credit is available for the rehabilita-
tion of non-certified, non-residential, buildings built
before 1936. Former manufacturing facilities, office
buildings, and hotels located on a brownfield would eas-
ily qualify for this tax credit. Projects that plan on claim-
ing the 10 percent rehabilitation tax credit must meet
several physical structure tests:
• At least 50 percent of the building's external walls
existing at the time that rehabilitation begins must
remain in place as external walls upon completion.
• At least 75 percent of the building's existing external
walls must remain in place as either external or inter-
nal walls.
• At least 75 percent of the buildings internal structural
framework must remain in place at the time the build-
ing is returned to service.
Rehabilitation tax credits can be especially attractive for
cleanup and restoration of certified historic or pre-1936
properties. Increasingly, states are adopting their own
rehabilitation tax credits, often 10 to 30 percent, and
encouraging developers to couple them with the federal
program. This creates a powerful incentive for redevel-
opment that provides developers with increased cash
flow that can make brownfields redevelopment projects
financially viable.
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The taxpayer uses the three following entities for claiming the tax credits:
Project Owner (Taxpayer)
Supporting Roles for Utilizing the Tax Credits
State Historic Preservation
Officer (SHPO)
* Serves as point of contact for
property owners
• Provides applications, forms
and other program information
• Provides technical assistance
' Makes certification
recommendations to NFS
National Park Service (NPS)
• Reviews all applications for
conformance
• Issues all certification decisions
' Submits copies of decisions to IRS
• Develops and publishes program
regulations
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
• Publishes regulations about which
rehabilitation expenses qualify
• Answers public inquiries concerning
legal and fiancial aspects of the
program
* Insures that only parties eligible for
the tax credits utilize them
According to the NPS, more than $5.4 billion in structural
rehabilitation work was carried out in 2008 at more than
1,200 project sites. Many of these properties meet the
brownfields definition, including old textile mills, vacant
breweries, and abandoned production facilities. Rehabili-
tation investment has led to the creation of nearly 68,000
jobs and the development of more than 17,000 housing
units. One-third of the housing units were for low- and
moderate-income persons, thereby linking low-income
housing tax credits with rehabilitation tax credits.
Advantages for Brownfields Site Redevelopers: Brown-
fields redevelopers can choose to sell or syndicate
rehabilitation tax credits in exchange for an upfront cash
investment in the project. This can translate into more
upfront project funding if a developer prefers having a
larger cash flow for cleanup and redevelopment work
rather than a tax credit at the end of the project.
As indicated above, rehabilitation tax credits offer sig-
nificant leveraging possibilities with:
• Low-income housing tax credits
• Industrial development bonds
• A variety of federal development programs described
earlier in this guide, including SBA, HUD/CDBG, USDA
rural development, and others
• Numerous state and local financing, tax incentive,
and bond programs
Limitations: As beneficial and flexible as historic rehabili-
tation tax credits can be, it sometimes can be difficult to
take advantage of these credits. Brownfields developers
contemplating old or historic sites for new uses need to
consider:
• Once a building is placed into service, credits are not
officially awarded until the project is reviewed and ap-
proved by the SHPO. This can affect project cash flow.
• Complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act,
pursuing LEED certification, installing energy efficient
windows, and addressing environmental consider-
ations such as lead paint and asbestos may impact
a building's historic nature and complicate project
certification. Fortunately, more SHPOs are gaining
an understanding of the brownfields process, and
some of the new remediation and reconstruction
techniques are proving less disruptive to a structure's
historic integrity.
• Historic rehabilitation tax credits are non-refundable,
although they may be carried forward for 20 years.
• To claim any credit, the investment must exceed the
greater of $5,000 or the adjusted basis of the build-
ing and its structural components. This can require a
large rehabilitation expenditure for a big project.
In addition, tax credit recapture scenarios need to be
avoided if the full value of the credit is to be realized. The
tax credits can be subject to recapture if the property is
disposed of before five years have passed or if the build-
ing is converted to tax-exempt use within five years of
being put back into service.
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National Park Service
Heritage Preservation Services
1201 Eye St., NW (2255)
Washington, DC 20005
202-513-7270
http://www.cr.nps.gou/hps/tps/tax/
The National Park Service's Web site provides access to
detailed tax incentive information, regulations, applica-
tions, and rehabilitation standards.
Cleanup and redevelopment of the original 55-
acre Sears Roebuck world headquarters and mail
order distribution complex on Chicago's west side
was one of the nation's first significant brownfields
successes. When Sears vacated the site in the late
1980s, local developers partnered with the City of
Chicago and a community-based foundation to
build more than 300 housing units and a commu-
nity center on the site, which included the nation's
largest privately owned laboratory, the world's larg-
est wood-frame structure, and a 55,000 square-foot
powerhouse. A new chapter in this success story
was written in 2009, with the opening of the Charles
H. Shaw Technology and Learning Center and the
Henry Ford Power House Charter High School on the
site of the 100-year-old former powerhouse. Sup-
ported by historic rehabilitation tax credits, the $31
million renovation retains the majestic north hall of
the Sears complex and features state-of-the-art sus-
tainable energy technology, including geothermal
heating and cooling, and energy-efficient historic
windows fitted with insulated glass. The power-
house project is expected to win LEED gold status.
The original 185-foot brick chimney is also being
restored, and eventually will house a wind turbine.
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State Finance Support
Many states have adopted their own financing programs
and approaches to enable integration of traditional state
development programs into the brownfields financing
mix. Such programs include tax incentives and credits,
targeted financial assistance, as well as direct brown-
fields financing.
Although many states had to make difficult budget
choices that reduced funding or suspended some
programs in the recent economic downturn, all states
continue to have ongoing economic development, envi-
ronmental, transportation, infrastructure, and other pro-
grams and incentives that can contribute to brownfields
redevelopment. States can help communities channel re-
sources and incentives toward community development,
job creation, and similar activities to address brownfields
cleanup and redevelopment. Increasingly, effective ap-
proaches involve linking federal and state development
programs to provide the continuum of financing needed
to complete the brownfields process, from assessment
and cleanup to redevelopment and reuse. (For more
information on financing brownfields redevelopment
projects, see Financing Brownfields: State Program
Highlights, at http://epa.gov/brownfields/partners/finan
brownfields epa print.pdf).
Key types of state programs are described below.
State Tax Credits, Abatements, and Other
Incentives
Tax-based programs help a brownfield project's cash
flow by allowing resources normally spent to pay taxes
to be used for site assessment or cleanup. This can help
site redevelopers save the cash needed to address con-
tamination issues. The extra cash flow resulting from a
tax break also can improve a project's appeal to lenders.
State and federal tax incentives historically have been
used to channel investment capital into economic devel-
opment of distressed areas, such as "enterprise zones,"
and to promote job creation, housing development, or
other desired community and social outcomes. Targeting
brownfields is a natural extension of this approach. Most
brownfield-related tax incentives aim to offset cleanup
costs or provide a buffer against increases in property
values that would raise tax assessments before the site
preparation costs are paid off. About half of the states
offer some type of tax incentive, including:
• Deferral of increased property taxes—North Carolina,
Texas, and Connecticut
• Remediation tax credits—Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin
• Property tax abatements for prospective purchasers
taking sites through a state voluntary cleanup pro-
gram—Kentucky
• Cancellation of back taxes—Wisconsin
• Rebates of sales taxes to offset cleanup costs—New Jersey
• Tax incentive "menu" to enhance reuser financial flex-
ibility—Missouri
• Job creation and affordable housing tax incentive
"bonuses"—Florida
• Business tax offset—Michigan
Targeted Financial Assistance Programs
Gaps in the availability of capital, especially for financing
site cleanup and preparation, remain the biggest barrier
to brownfields reuse. Many states have addressed this by
establishing financing incentives—either direct financ-
ing tools, such as loans or grants, or indirect financing
assistance, such as project subsidies. These programs
are intended to meet one of several objectives. They can
be targeted to help finance specific parts of the project,
such as site preparation; to increase the lender's com-
fort by offering guarantees to limit the risk of potential
losses; or to ease the borrower's cash flow by filling cer-
tain capital needs or offsetting the upfront costs of site
cleanup. Twenty-three states offer some sort of targeted
brownfields financial assistance, including:
• Tax increment financing (TIF) guarantee program,
which brings additional comfort to TIF-backed efforts
at brownfield sites—Pennsylvania
• Forgivable remediation loans, recently expanded to
petroleum sites—Indiana
• Low-interest loans and loan guarantees, for a range
of site activities including contractor/tax lien pur-
chases—Florida
• Insurance subsidies—Massachusetts and Wisconsin
• Brownfield redevelopment authorities—Michigan
• Focus on agricultural-related contaminants—Kansas
• Brownfield redevelopment loan program—Illinois
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Direct Brown fields Financing
About 15 states have programs to provide direct brown-
fields financing, usually in places where the private sec-
tor may be reluctant to provide funds. Although several
of these programs have been significantly cut or placed
on hold as states grapple with budget shortfalls, they
are illustrative of the types of support that states have
deemed vital to trigger brownfield revitalization:
• Rural loan fund for small cities backed by Community
Development Block Grants—Washington
• Targeted bond issue proceeds—Ohio (Clean Ohio
Revitalization Fund)
• Low-interest cleanup loans—Delaware, Indiana, and
Wisconsin
• Remediation grant funds—New Jersey and Minnesota
• State revolving loan or redevelopment funds—Indi-
ana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts
• Capital grants for "green" components of redevelop-
ment projects—Pennsylvania
• Matching grants to leverage federal programs with
matching requirements—Indiana
Facilitating Brownfield Financing
As revenues have declined, more states are exploring
initiatives that expedite the financing process, attract
other program resources, and save money in the long
run. At least a dozen states have some type of "low-cost/
no-cost" initiative in place to facilitate financing with
minimal cash outlays, using tools like cancellation of
delinquent taxes for new purchasers as part of an agree-
ment to clean up contaminated property. State budget
crises have increased the focus on these approaches:
• Linking site owners to state voluntary cleanup pro-
grams (VCPs) and brownfields programs that can
clarify or provide relief from liability and facilitate the
use of environmental insurance.
• Educating site owners about ways in which state
VCPs and brownfields programs can facilitate access
to other financing tools, such as use of the federal
brownfields tax expensing incentive.
• Helping site owners implement institutional controls,
engineering controls, or innovative technologies in
ways that allow cleanup and redevelopment to take
place concurrently rather than sequentially, saving
time and money.
Adapting Traditional Development
Programs to Meet Needs of Brownfield
Redevelopment
As with federal programs, many state programs were
designed, and their rules defined, long before brown-
fields concerns surfaced. Many states are exploring ways
to adapt traditional community and economic devel-
opment financing programs to meet brownfield reuse
needs by expanding eligibility criteria and program
goals to include environmental assessment, cleanup, and
site preparation. In many states, these involve a combina-
tion of incentives that may include loan programs; loan
guarantees; tax credits, abatements, and other incentives;
state enterprise zones; state clean water revolving loan
funds; state transportation funding allocations; and financ-
ing enhancements linked to state VCPs.
Loan Programs: Nearly every state offers economic
development loans that can provide excellent leverage
if properly coordinated with, and targeted to, the special
financing needs of brownfields. Loans are made directly
or through development agencies, authorities, or corpo-
rations. These programs are capitalized from a variety of
sources, including general appropriations, fee collections,
or repayments from previous federal or state project loans.
Illinois offers a Brownfield Redevelopment Loan Program
that provides low-interest loans to local governments and
private parties for site assessment, remediation, and de-
molition costs. This is intended to complement the state's
existing grant program, which gives cities up to $120,000
to pay for site assessments and preparation of cleanup
plans. The Mississippi River town of Rock Island has used
these programs, in conjunction with federal transportation
funds, to transform a derelict riverfront manufacturing site
into a new mixed-use commercial and residential develop-
ment. The state programs helped with site preparation and
construction of the infrastructure needed to serve the new
uses. Kansas City tapped into Missouri state business de-
velopment programs to clean up and transform the former
Kansas City Terminal Railway yard into unique office space,
creating 600 new jobs.
Loan Guarantees: Many states offer loan guarantees to
minimize the risks that make financial institutions hesitant
to lend to projects on brownfield properties. Small busi-
nesses, start-ups, and new technology ventures typically
are viewed as especially risky and often are addressed in
state loan guarantee programs. While relatively few loan
guarantees are provided specifically to address environ-
mental risks, providing loan guarantees for this purpose
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falls within the scope of many states'existing programs. In
particular, loan guarantees can help attract private invest-
ments at sites where federal infrastructure or site improve-
ment programs are involved. To this end, Florida has added
a loan guarantee program to its brownfields toolbox. Flori-
da's program provides five years of guarantees or loan-loss
reserves for primary-lender loans made to redevelopment
projects in defined brownfields areas.
Tax Credits, Abatements, and Other Incentives: State
incentives can help a project's cash flow, and many states
have linked their incentives programs to federal program
incentives. The incentives can help attract investment
capital and promote economic development in economi-
cally distressed areas, including those with brownfields.
Some states, such as Wisconsin, have successfully linked
state tax incentives (such as forgiveness of back taxes) with
federal tax credits. At the Sherman Park project in Milwau-
kee, forgiveness of nine years of back taxes attracted a small
community developer to an abandoned but historically sig-
nificant gas station dating back to the 1930s. The developer
also used federal historic rehabilitation tax credits and city
business development loan funds to redevelop the site.
In Rhode Island, state historic preservation tax credits are
linked with federal incentives to create a powerful induce-
ment to renovate historic, and often abandoned, brown-
field sites. A considerable number of residential rental
units have been developed using this combined incentive
package, which can recover as much as 40 percent of reno-
vation costs.
In Colorado, tax credits have been established to encour-
age smaller site cleanups. The state program provides a
50 percent tax credit against the first $100,000 of cleanup
costs, 30 percent of the second $100,000, and 20 percent
of the next $100,000.
State Enterprise Zones: More than 30 states currently ad-
minister their own enterprise zone programs that offer tax,
training, and other development incentives to encourage
investment and job creation in economically distressed
areas. Nationwide, states have designated more than
1,400 areas as enterprise zones. Most state enterprise zone
programs provide some blend of fiscal incentives, such as
tax credits, tax abatements, and access to low-cost devel-
opment capital, and these could be targeted to brownfield
projects. A brownfields developer working to create a
shopping complex in Elizabeth, New Jersey, for example,
was able to market a former dump site because of the
reduced sales tax incentive (only three percent) available
to commercial operations located within the state-desig-
nated enterprise zone.
State Clean Water Revolving Loan Funds: The U.S. EPA
provides annual funding to each state to capitalize its
Clean Water State Revolving Loan Funds (CWSRLFs).
This funding has considerable potential at brownfields
where water quality is an issue. In particular, a brownfield
cleanup to correct or prevent water quality problems can
be considered eligible if it focuses on abatement of pol-
luted runoff, control of storm water runoff, correction of
groundwater contamination, or remediation of petroleum
contamination. States can use their CWSRLFs to make low-
interest or no-interest loans for up to 20 years to cover the
costs of brownfields-related activities such as excavation
and disposal of underground storage tanks; capping of
wells; excavation, removal, and disposal of contaminated
soil or sediment; or environmental site assessments.
EPA allows communities, municipalities, individuals, citizen
groups, and nonprofit organizations to apply for these
loans. Each state determines which entities may use its
revolving loan fund resources. Usually, loans are repaid
through developer fees; recreational fees; dedicated por-
tions of state, county, or local government taxes; storm wa-
ter management fees; or wastewater user charges. Only a
few states, notably New York, New Mexico, and Ohio, have
encouraged the use of these resources for brownfields-re-
lated projects. Ohio is recognized as the national leader in
this regard. In Cleveland, the Grant Realty Company used a
clean water revolving loan from Cuyahoga County to clean
contaminated groundwater and soil at a 20-acre industrial
site and prepare the site for commercial use. Repayment is
coming from the income stream of a tank-cleaning opera-
tion located on the site, with a personal loan guarantee
and second mortgage as collateral.
State Transportation Funding Allocations: More states are
encouraging communities to use transportation funds for
brownfields. As a growing list of examples shows, redevel-
opment projects often can be conducted in conjunction
with transportation-related projects. Some brownfields are
old transportation facilities in need of upgrading. The city
of Portland, Oregon, has reused brownfields as part of its
Macadam District and Union Station area neighborhood
redevelopments. In some cases, brownfields redevelop-
ment projects may need transportation infrastructure
improvements to make the project more marketable,
typically by expanding access for vehicles, freight, or pas-
sengers. Buffalo, New York, has done this with its William
Gaiter Parkway project, as has Old Town, Maine, with its
waterfront redevelopment initiative. Finally, brownfield
cleanups increasingly are using transportation projects as
part of the site cleanup by using roads, parking lots, and
other transportation structures as caps to limit exposures
to subsurface contamination. Towns from Emeryville, Cali-
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fornia, to Bridgeport, Connecticut, have used transporta-
tion funding for these purposes.
Financing Enhancements Linked to State VCPs: Every
state now has a VCR Some VCPs have been significantly
expanded and improved since passage of the Brownfields
Law, which provided funding for distribution to the states.
State VCPs have made the cleanup process more predict-
able and have brought more certainty to brownfields reuse
by offering some liability relief. This increased level of
certainty in brownfields transactions has been recognized
in the private financing and real estate markets. State VCPs
are continuing to evolve and are expediting the financing
process by attracting seed resources or offering incentives
to leverage private investment in brownfields projects.
Milwaukee, Cincinnati, and other cities have linked local
incentives to redevelopment at sites that have completed
the state VCP process. In addition, the federal brownfield
tax expensing incentive (see below) is available only to site
owners whose property has been certified as a brownfield
by a state VCP or designated state agency.
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United States Office of Solid Waste and EPA 560-F-09-501
Environmental Protection Emergency Response November 2009
Agency (5105T) www.epa.gov/brownfields/
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