Brownfield Funding: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Announces Availability of $232 Million in Grant Funding

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) issued a news release on September 6th, stating it was making available $232 million in grant funding through the federal agency’s Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup program.

The funding is described as the fourth wave of funding that is supported by monies from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (“BIL”).

The BIL authorized $1.5 billion the Brownfield program.

The federal government in many states (including Arkansas) have statutes, regulations, and policies that are intended to address “Brownfields.” Brownfields are often referred to (improved and unimproved), the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.

Incentive provisions, funding programs, liability exemptions, and action/cleanup standards have been utilized for a number of years to attempt to reduce the barriers for reuse or redevelopment of Brownfield properties. The goal of Brownfield programs is to encourage redevelopment and investment in such properties to increase the local tax space, facilitate job growth, utilize existing infrastructure, encourage infill use, and take pressure off green space.

EPA provided Brownfield grants in May to the following Arkansas entities:

• Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment ($1 million).
• Southwest Arkansas Planning and Development District, Inc. ($2 million).
• Pulaski County Brownfields Program ($1 million).

The EPA news release provides a copy of the FY25 Brownfield Grant’s Guidelines and other application resources.

Information is also provided regarding an EPA Assessment Grants webinar that will be held on September 19th and a Revolving Loan Fund and Cleanup Grants webinar that will be held on September 24th.

A copy of the news release can be found here.