5 o T> Brownfields 2006 Grant Fact Sheet Waterloo, IA EPA Brownfields Program EPA's Brownfields Program empowers states, commu- nities, and other stakeholders to work together to prevent, assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse brownfields. Abrownfield site is real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. On January 11, 2002, President George W. Bush signed into law the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act. Under the Brownfields Law, EPA provides financial assistance to eligible applicants through four competitive grant programs: assessment grants, revolving loan fund grants, cleanup grants, and job training grants. Addi- tionally, funding support is provided to state and tribal response programs through a separate mechanism. Community Description The City of Waterloo was selected to receive two brownfields assessment grants. Located in northeast Iowa, Waterloo (population 68,747) was once known as the factory city of Iowa. Before the 1980s, the largest employers manufactured farm and construction machinery and packaged meat. Downsizing and business closings caused disinvestment in the down- town industrial and commercial facilities and housing stock. The median income in and surrounding the target area is less than half that of the rest of Waterloo and about half that of the state. Underemployment is a major problem. Nearly 33 percent of residents sur- rounding the project area are minorities. About 100 brownfields exist in several areas of the city, and many of the brownfields in the downtown area have the potential of inhibiting redevelopment opportunities. Assessment Grants $200,000 for hazardous substances $200,000 for petroleum EPA has selected the City of Waterloo for two brownfields assessment grants. Hazardous substances and petroleum grant funds will be used to conduct Phase I and II environmental site assessments in the downtown redevelopment area, identify risks to sensitive populations, develop cleanup plans, and conduct public outreach activities. Contacts For further information, including specific grant contacts, additional grant information, brownfields news and events, and publications and links, visit the EPA Brownfields web site at: www.epa.gov/ brownfields. EPA Region 7 Brownfields Team 800-223-0425 http://www.epa.gov/Region7/citizens/brownfields/ index.htm Grant Recipient: City of Waterloo, IA 319-291-4366 The cooperative agreement for this grant has not yet been negotiated; therefore, activities described in this fact sheet are subject to change. There are 54 underground storage tanks and 16 leaking underground storage tanks in the target area. Brownfields have contributed to urban sprawl on prime farmland, a declining population, economic stagnation, environmental concerns, and environmental justice issues. When brownfields are assessed, they will be cleaned up and used for new business and entertainment development, and for the creation of a recreational trail adjacent to the Cedar River. Brownfields redevelopment will stimulate economic development, create additional employment, allow business expansion, decrease environmental contamination, increase tax revenue, and reduce consumption of farmland. Solid Waste and Emergency Response (5105T) EPA560-F-06-157 May 2006 www.epa.gov/brownfields ------- |