by Jbs091108 — September 15, 2008—The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding 10 grants for brownfields training, research, and technical assistance projects with national scope and impact. More than $1.5million in funding will support brownfields assessment, cleanup, and revitalization across the country.
The grants will fund projects that are exploring new and innovative ideas in the areas of protection of human health and the environment, sustainable development, and equitable development. Each assistance project will receive between $100,000 and $150,000 in annual funding for up to five years. Project examples include:
- Providing technical assistance to communities on brownfields issues, including school siting, vapor intrusion, sustainable development, and community benefits
- Creating demand and building capacity in weak market communities
- Identifying mine-scarred or contaminated lands that could be used for renewable energy production
- Identifying best management practices and providing technical assistance for sustainable brownfields redevelopment
Brownfields are sites where expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant, explains EPA. EPA provides grants, technical assistance, and training to support local brownfields efforts.
