Brown fields Grants
Funding for State Agencies 3n4 Contact Information
Funding for States
States play a significant role in identifying,
cleaning up and redeveloping Brownfield
properties, and they spend millions of
dollars each year to support these efforts.
EPA has more than tripled its funding of
state Brownfield programs over the past
few years, allowing them to establish or
expand voluntary cleanup programs and
to conduct site assessments and cleanups.
EPA also funds state revolving loan
programs that make available low interest
loans and grants to qualified parties to
clean up Brownfields. The loan programs
usually require recipients to contribute 20
percent of the costs. Connecticut, New
Hampshire and Rhode Island have already
set up state revolving loan programs to
help finance Brownfields work.
EPA Funding Total EPA
for State Funding
Agencies in Each State
Since 1994 Since 1994
CT $4,861,268 $24,506,868
ME $3,096,154 $11,249,510
MA $6,407,315 $40,811,233
NH $5,431,024 $12,310,740
Rl $3,747,860 $12,615,077
VT $1,484,399 $6,411,020
Total $25,028,020 $107,904,448
Visit www.epa.gov/ne/
brownfields for additional
stories and information
on how EPA's Brownfields
Program is rebuilding
New England, community
by community.
EPA New England Brawnfielcjs Te^ro
Section Chief
Carol Tucker
(617)918-1221
tucker.carol@epa.gov
Brownfields Coordinator
Diane Kelley
(617) 918-1424
kelley.diane@epa.gov
Communications
Carlie Brandt
(617) 918-1528
brandt.carlie@epa.gov
Cleanup Grants, Targeted
Brownfields Assessments
James Byrne
(617) 918-1389
byrne.james@epa.gov
Nonprofit Outreach
Kathleen Castagna
(617) 918-1429
castagna.kathleen@epa.gov
Green Building
Steve Chase
(617)918-1428
chase.steve@epa.gov
Revolving Loan Fund
Joe Ferrari
(617) 918-1105
ferrari.joe@epa.gov
Legal Advisor
Rona Gregory
(617) 918-1096
gregory.rona@epa.gov
Special Projects
Marcus Holmes
(617)918-1630
holmes.marcus@epa.gov
Job Training
Chris Lombard
(617)918-1305
lombard.chris@epa.gov
Petroleum
Dorrie Paar
(617)918-1432
paar.dorrie@epa.gov
Quality Assurance
Program Manager
Alan Peterson
(617)918-8322
peterson.alan@epa.gov
State Agency Brownfielcts Program?
Connecticut
Christine Lacas
(860) 424-3766
christine.lacas@po.state.ct.us
http://www.dep.state.ct.us
Maine
Nick Hodgkins
(207) 287-4854
nick.hodgkins@maine.gov
http://www.maine.gov
Massachusetts
Catherine Finneran
(617)556-1138
catherine.finneran@state.ma.us
http://www.mass.gov/dep
New Hampshire
Mike Wimsatt
(603) 271-6422
mwimsatt@des. state, nh. us
http://www.des.state.nh.us
Rhode Island
Kelly Owens
(401)222-2797x7108
kelly.owens@dem.ri.gov
http://www.dem.ri.gov
Vermont
George Desch
(802) 241-3491
george.desch@anr.state.vt.us
http://www.anr.state.vt.us/
Un4 & Community Revitglization
BROWN FIELDS
Rebuilding
New England
through Brownfi'el4s
nvestments
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency New England
EPA-901-R-05-004
October 2005
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L
Contaminated lands can
rob a community of its
economic and social
vitality and potential.
Thousands of New England properties
are abandoned because owners
or developers fear environmental
contamination and the associated
liability. Called Brownfields, these
properties are often unused while
development consumes valuable
open space. New partnerships are
emerging among communities,
government agencies and private
investors to restore and reuse these
properties. These smart investments
lead to smart growth decisions.
Since 1994, EPAhas invested $107.9
million in grants to more than 130
New England communities, states
and agencies. These investments
have leveraged another $420
million in funding from government
and private sources for cleanup
and redevelopment, while also
leveraging thousands of new jobs.
Brownfields properties across New
England have been turned into
schools, housing, playing fields, new
businesses and green space. This
booklet presents a few examples
of how Brownfield dollars have
revitalized neighborhoods and
improved the quality of life in many
communities.
"EPA has invested $107.9 million
in grants to more than 130
New England communities,
which in turn has leveraged
another $420 million for
cleanup and redevelopment
and thousands of new jobs."
—EPA New England 2005
Brownfields Summary and
Success Stories Report
Bnownfielcts Grants
Drive Economic Development
Economic Development
New business ventures are thriving at formerly contaminated properties
in New England as a result of EPA investments, including:
Connecticut
In Hartford, the new Main and Pavilion Shopping Center, with 40,000 square
feet of retail space, was constructed by the nonprofit organization Public
Housing Residents Going Places, Inc. The shopping center includes a needed
grocery store and other retail outlets
for Clay Arsenal residents. In addition
to construction jobs, the project
created 36 new job opportunities for
low- to moderate-income persons. A
total of $4.3 million in federal, state,
local and private funds were leveraged
for the cleanup and redevelopment of
the shopping center site.
In New Britain, after years of
abandonment due to concerns over
costly and potentially dangerous
contamination, the former Russell and
Erwin factory in the city's Technology
Corridor was redeveloped. Following
a Brownfields assessment, the retail
chain Walgreens moved onto the site
and now brings additional tax revenue
to the city and employs some 40 local
residents.
Maine
In Lewiston, the 1.2 million square foot
former contaminated mill building has
been transformed into a commercial
complex. About 1,800 employees
work at the Bates Mill Complex, which
houses a banking operations center,
fitness and daycare facilities for employees, a regional conference center and
other private businesses. A total of $41 million from federal, state, local and
private sources were leveraged for the assessment, cleanup and redevelopment
of the complex, including $15 million in private investments.
In Westbrook, the city celebrated the opening of the new Flannery Office
Building in 2004. The formerly contaminated property on the banks of the
Presumpscot River is now home to an office park, parking garage, greenspace
and a river walk. The office park is currently occupied by CORE, Inc., an
organization that assists individuals in returning to work after illness or injury.
CORE, Inc., employs 350 people from across the Northeast at this new facility
in Westbrook.
Cover photos (clockwise from left): Abandoned building in Hartford, Conn.; demolition,
Main South Community Development Corporation Project, Worcester, Mass.; completed
Marine Education Center, Save the Bay, Providence, R.I.; groundbreaking, Gateway Park,
Worcester, Mass.; construction, Kathryn Stoklasa Middle School, Lowell, Mass.
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Un4 & Community Revrtglization
BROWN FIELPS
Massachusetts
In Chicopee, EPA Brownfields funds have given
new life to important downtown properties.
The former Bay State Wire Company property
has been redeveloped as office and storage
space for a local business. The former JG Roy
Lumber Company has been redeveloped by
a neighboring business, J. Polep Distribution
Services, for expansion. To date, the city has
assessed and redeveloped five sites, leveraged
$2.5 million in redevelopment and construction
money and created over 100 jobs using
Brownfields grant funds.
In New Bedford, Sid Wainer and Sons
redeveloped the former Alden Corrugated
property into three, 3,000 square foot
greenhouses to grow a variety of vegetables
and herbs for its wholesale specialty foods
distribution company. The greenhouses allow the distributor to experiment with year-
round and inner-city farming techniques.
In Worcester, the Worcester Business Development Corporation and the Worcester
Polytechnic Institute (WPI) partnered to create the Gateway Park LLC, a market-based,
mixed-use urban Brownfields redevelopment project. The 1 1 -acre Gateway Park
redevelopment site is near WPI's main campus and will contain close to one million square
feet of new, mixed-use development including biomedical and bioengineering companies,
housing, retail establishments and restaurants. The project is expected to transform formerly blighted land into productive reuse
for the city and the adjacent neighborhood.
WPI Life Sciences and Bioengineering Cenler
at Gateway Park
BrownfieMs Cleanup
Brownfields in New England
by the Numbers
In 2002, President George W. Bush signed the Small
Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act
into law, which authorizes up to $250 million per year for
Brownfields grants, including up to $50 million in state
funding. The law defined brownfields as "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."
The law also allows for the assessment and cleanup of
low-risk, petroleum-contaminated sites. Nationally, the
program has awarded funding to over 800 communities
— stimulating over $5 billion in funds leveraged for cleanup
and redevelopment. With many new jobs created in some
of the nation's most under-served and impoverished
neighborhoods, it is easy to understand how this program
has gained the continuous support of decision-makers at
all levels of government.
268
107.9
million
Number of grants
awarded in 2005
Total number of grants
awarded since 1994
Total dollar value of grants
awarded in 2005
Total dollar value of grants
awarded since 1994
Total value of cleanup, construction
and redevelopment dollars
leveraged since 1994
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Brownfiel45 Grants
Create Public Spaces an4 Builcjings
Parks, Recreation an4 Open Space
New England's urban communities are trying to balance pressure for
growth and development with providing access to parks, recreation
and open space. Dozens of formerly abandoned or contaminated
properties are now public spaces for residents to enjoy, including:
"EPA estimates that every acre
of reclaimed Brownfields saves
4.5 acres of greenspace and,
on average, every greenspace
has doubled the value of
surrounding properties."
—EPA New England press release.
May 2005
Connecticut
In Norwich, a contaminated former
textile mill along the Shetucket River
was reborn during the summer of 2005
as Occum Park using investments
totaling $2.7 million from EPA, state and local sources. In 1986 a fire destroyed the mill and
the site was abandoned because of suspected contamination. Environmental assessment of the
property was funded through the EPA Brownfields Program. State and local funds provided for
cleanup and redevelopment. Occum Park is designed for passive and active outdoor recreation
by neighborhood and city residents.
Massachusetts
In Boston, the city is restoring a former salt marsh that has undergone dumping and filling
associated with past commercial and industrial uses. The Belle Isle Coastal Preserve property,
site of the former Belle Isle Fish Company, has been cleaned and restored using a Brownfields
cleanup grant along with other city and state financial assistance. The restored marsh will be
linked to the state-owned Belle Isle Marsh Reservation and available for passive recreation for
East Boston residents.
In Worcester, a nonprofit community development corporation has stabilized and revitalized
a section of the city disproportionately impacted by blight, crime and poverty. The Gardner-
Kilby-Hammond Street Neighborhood Revitalization project will include affordable housing,
a youth facility and recreational space on 30 acres. The project was developed by Main South
Community Development Corporation in partnership with the City of Worcester, the Boys and
Girls Club, Clark University and a number of other federal and state partners.
New Hampshire
In Henniker, a historic formerly contaminated grist and paper mill complex along the
Contoocook River will provide recreational and educational opportunities for town residents following a successful cleanup effort funded
by EPA, the state of New Hampshire and the Town of Henniker. The mill site and surrounding area are eligible for listing on the National
Registry of Historic Places. The town will use historical elements of the mill complex in combination
with walking trails and interpretive displays to provide open space and preserve the industrial
heritage of the area.
School, Ecjucational an4 Municipal Builcjings
As undeveloped land becomes has become scarce, communities are redeveloping
Brownfields into much needed educational and public service facilities, including:
Massachusetts
In Gardner, an abandoned furniture factory in the heart of downtown has been redeveloped into
the Levi Haywood Memorial Library. In the 1 990s, a recession led to numerous foreclosures and
many businesses relocated, resulting in a deteriorated downtown. The EPA Brownfields program
provided funds to assess the former Conant Ball furniture manufacturing facility. As a result of
the assessment, local and state funds were leveraged to meet 80% of the needed $7.5 million package for site cleanup and construction
of the library and adjacent parking lot. The library is a 32,000 square foot building which serves a public need and has improved the
image of the downtown central business district.
In Lowell, the Kathryn Stoklasa Middle School
has become an anchor for urban revitalization
in one of the city's oldest and most economically
disadvantaged neighborhoods with the help of
EPA Brownfields funds. The school serves 660
students and employs 75 people. This new
public middle school is reducing crowding in
Lowell classrooms and provides children and
their families with open space that is limited in
the urban Acre neighborhood. The school is
located on six acres that formerly housed dozens
of dilapidated buildings. In addition to the school
building, 1.5 acres have been reclaimed for open
space, soccer fields and basketball courts.
In Somerville, the Community Action Agency
of Somerville's (CAAS) Head Start program
has a new home on two former vacant lots in
the city's densest neighborhood. The city and
CAAS worked together to assess the properties
with EPA Brownfields funds. Cleanup and
construction funding came from other federal
agencies and private sources. The new Head
Start facility provides a valuable service for
the children of low-income families in the
community. A third adjacent, city-owned lot
is being redeveloped as a community garden
and passive park with an EPA cleanup grant.
Rhode Island
In Providence, the nonprofit organization Save the Bay has built its headquarters
on a six acre site at Fields Point that was formerly a landfill. The 1 7,600 square foot
marine education center is an environmentally-friendly building that opened in 2005.
EPA provided $845,000 in Brownfields funds for site assessment and cleanup. The site is
located on Narragansett Bay and offers spectacular views and resources for environmental
education. This project was nationally recognized in 2005 as one of 10 recipients of a Phoenix
Award for Excellence in Brownfields Redevelopment.
Also in Providence, the Meeting Street National Center
of Excellence is constructing a new special needs school
on a formerly contaminated property in a economically
distressed neighborhood of the city. The recreational
space provided as part of the school's campus will be
available for use by the local community.
Vermont
In Brattleboro, a four story, 120,000 square foot
intermodal transportation center was built on formerly
contaminated property to provide important links for
regional buses, Amtrak and a taxi service, as well as
access for pedestrians and cyclists to Brattleboro's
downtown area. EPA assessment funds allowed the
city to leverage nearly $8 million in other federal, state
and local funds for the project.
i!
Land & Community Revitalization
BROWNFIELDS
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Brownfielcts Grants
Brownfields grants are the foundation
of EPA's Brownfields Program. These
grants fund environmental assessments,
cleanups and job training activities.
The Brownfields Assessment Grant
Program provides funding for inventories,
planning, environmental assessments
and community outreach. Local, state
and tribal governments are eligible to
apply for funding. Applicants may apply
community-wide for $200,000 for
hazardous substances and $200,000
for petroleum assessments. Site-specific
applications can also be made for up
to $350,000.
The Brownfields Cleanup Revolving
Loan Fund Grant Program distributes
funding to capitalize loans that are
used to clean up Brownfields. Local,
state and tribal governments are
eligible to apply for funds to capitalize
a revolving loan fund and provide
subgrants to conduct cleanup activities.
Up to $1 million is available per
applicant. Repaid loan funds can be
used to make additional cleanup loans.
A 20 percent match is required.
The Brownfields Cleanup Grant
Program funds cleanup activities by
both municipalities and nonprofit
organizations. Grants of up to
$200,000 per site are available.
Applicants must own the sites and a
20 percent match is required.
The Brownfields Job Training Grant
Program provides funds for environmental
training programs for residents of
communities with Brownfields. Colleges,
universities, nonprofit job training
centers, local government agencies
and tribes are eligible for funding of up
to $200,000 per applicant.
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BrownfieMs Grants
Provide Housing 3n4 Jobs
Housing an4 Mixe4-l/se
New Englanas housing demands are great. Redevelopment of downtown parcels is transforming town and city centers
into lively and convenient neighborhoods to live and work in. Mixing uses like housing and commercial space is a
popular development alternative that addresses both housing and economic demands. The following projects were
made possible with EPA Brownfields grants:
Massachusetts
In Taunton, the Robertson on the River project has converted the 6.6-acre
historic Robertson Mill building into 64 units of affordable residential rental units
and 18,000 square feet of commercial space for neighborhood businesses. The
project is located in the Weir Village neighborhood of Taunton and was developed
by the WEIR Corporation, a nonprofit community development corporation. The
project will also provide riverfront greenspace along the Taunton River, including
a playground and basketball court for community use.
Rhode Island
In Providence, the Olneyville neighborhood, a distressed area of the city with a
long history of industrial use, will be home to 20 new affordable housing units.
The development is expected to feature panoramic views of the Woonasquatucket
River and the new Riverside Park that is being created by Riverside Mills. The park
is one of several connected by the Woonasquatucket River Greenway, which was redeveloped through Providence's
designation as a Brownfields Showcase Community in 1998. Olneyville Housing Corporation is the project developer
and EPA Brownfields assessment funds have been a main catalyst to move the
project forward.
Vermont
In Burlington, new environmentally friendly homes along the shore of Lake
Champlain are open to families and individuals from diverse backgrounds and
income levels. The property was previously used as a scrap yard and rail siding
for pressurized gas storage. The Burlington Community Land Trust/Housing
Vermont and a private developer led the redevelopment effort. Public funding
was provided by EPA, the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development
and the City of Burlington. The development also solved a long-standing storm
water runoff problem with environmentally-sound treatment. The development is
the first multi-unit residential building in Vermont to earn the Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
Job Training
Brownfields Job Training funds are being used to train individuals for careers in the environmental assessment
and cleanup field. Graduates of the programs may be employed as decontamination technicians, radiation safety
technicians or hazardous waste cleanup workers, among other professions in the growing field.
Connecticut
In Bridgeport, The Workplace, Inc., received $200,000 to train individuals from Bridgeport and, upon completing that
effort, were given and additional $200,000 to train people from the Naugatuck River Valley. The Workplace, Inc., has
successfully trained over 1 00 individuals and placed 83 percent of them in the environmental industry.
Also in Bridgeport, the City of Bridgeport's Department of Social Services received a $198,500 job training grant.
The city plans to train 50 community residents in both hazardous materials and lead abatement through an intensive
training program requiring approximately 80 hours of instruction.
6
In Middletown, Middlesex Community College has received $400,000 in EPA
job training funding since 2001 . Since then over 1 00 people have been trained
and 65 percent have been placed in environmental jobs.
Un4 & Community Revrtglization
BROWNFIELDS
Maine
In Lewiston, the city received $200,000 in 2004 to train 75 individuals in a two-track training effort where individuals
who excel in the initial training are given the opportunity for further, more intensive environmental training. To date,
26 individuals have graduated and 35 percent of those secured jobs in the environmental industry at an average
hourly wage of $12.00.
Massachusetts
In Boston, JFY NetWorks has received $425,000 in environmental job training funding since 1998. JFY NetWorks
has placed 195 individuals in the environmental industry at an average salary
of $12.45 per hour.
In Lawrence, The Merrimack Valley Workforce Investment Board received
$200,000 in 2004. In their first year of funding they trained 1 6 individuals and
8 are working in the environmental field receiving an average salary of $14.00
per hour.
In Lowell, the Coalition fora Better Acre (CBA) entered into a $200,000 cooperative
agreement with EPA in October 2003. CBA and EPA partnered with several corporate
and community organizations to train 38 people from the local neighborhood
as environmental technicians. A total of 22 trainees are currently working in the
environmental field.
Rhode Island
In Providence and Pawtucket, Groundwork Providence received $200,000 in
2001 to train 90 Providence residents and another $150,000 in 2003 to train
50 Pawtucket residents in environmental remediation technology. Since its first
cooperative agreement, Groundwork Providence has placed 65 percent of these
trainees as environmental technicians at an average salary of $12.60 per hour.
"Graduates of Brownfields job training programs
have employment opportunities in careers that help
restore neighborhoods, protect public health and
build strong communities."
—Robert W. Varney,
EPA New England Regional Administrator
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