%	(f
V/L. REGION III
<$t,. REGION III x\0
—-r£Gx
Helpful Hints for
Preparing Your
Brownfields Funding Application
^ PROT^°
These grants are extremely competitive. This is a national competition.
Share drafts of your application with others, seek feedback. Don't be
discouraged if your project is not funded this year; keep trying.
Be sure to answer all questions completely. Don't skip sections.
Focus on the environmental and health impacts of your project. If these
are not known, tell us about the history of the brownfield site(s) in your
community and why environmental or health impacts are suspected.
Tell us about your community - include appropriate demographic
information/rates.
Community Involvement - demonstrate community involvement in your
project. Community involvement is a crucial funding criteria. You must
notify the community of your intention to submit a proposal to EPA prior
to applying. Get community groups involved in planning your project from
the start. Include names and phone numbers for references of named
groups. EPA does conduct reference checks.
Talk to your State's environmental authority. You are required to submit a
letter from the State authority acknowledging that you plan to conduct
environmental assessment or cleanup activities. The letter of support could
also be used to show State resources (financial or technical) that are being
committed to the project.
Identify targeted sites or targeted areas for assessment and clean-up. Show
how your project will fit into your community's master plan/development
plan/growth plan. Coordinate your brownfields projects with special
economic zones, Main Street programs, industrial area plans, etc.
September 2003. Prepared by EPA Region III, Philadelphia, PA. EPA's Brownfields Funding Guidelines can be found at
WWW.epa.qov/brownfields/ For more information, call (215) 814-3246.

-------
Highlight regional approaches to brownfields revitalization or economic
development. Show how your project complements the development goals
of the surrounding area. Coalitions of cities may apply for funding.
Be very clear about ownership issues! Brownfields funding cannot be
used at sites where the recipient of the grant may be liable for the
contamination. If you identify specific sites in your application, tell us who
owns the property, who is responsible for the contamination, when and how
was (or will) property ownership (be) transferred. Is the property owner
willing to participate in the brownfields project? Are they bringing
financial or other resources to the project? Letters of support from property
owners should be included in your proposal. If the site has petroleum
contamination, you must provide evidence that there is no viable
responsible party for the contamination.
Show of support -Tell us about leveraged resources for your project. They
can be local, state, federal or private support. The more diversity among
partners the better. We particularly look for local commitments.
Redevelopment Plan - describe the benefits of any anticipated
redevelopment plan for the site(s). Will the redevelopment create jobs or
preserve/create green space or both (even better!)
Budget - Make sure your budget is clear and includes specific tasks. Justify
amounts being allocated to each task and budget category. Budgets that
emphasize funds will be used for environmental work generally receive
higher ratings.
If you are requesting a waiver (of funding limits or cost share) or a
property specific determination, make sure your request is very clear and
thorough in your application. Demonstrate why your project deserves
special consideration.
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again (next year)!
September 2003. Prepared by EPA Region III, Philadelphia, PA. EPA's Brownfields Funding Guidelines can be found at
WWW.epa.qov/brownfields/ For more information, call (215) 814-3246.

-------