News Releases from Region 05
EPA Awards Brownfield Grant to Duluth, Minn. Seaway Port Authority to Assess and Clean Up Contaminated Properties and Promote Economic Redevelopment
Brownfields Program helps return blighted properties to productive reuse
CHICAGO (April 25, 2018) – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has selected the Duluth Seaway Port Authority in Duluth, Minn. for a Brownfields environmental Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup grant. The $300,000 grant will provide funding to assess, clean up and redevelop underutilized properties while protecting public health and the environment.
“EPA’s Brownfields Program expands the ability of communities to recycle vacant and abandoned properties for new, productive reuses, using existing infrastructure," said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. "These grants leverage other public and private investments, and improve local economies through property cleanup and redevelopment.”
“Clearly there is no shortage of creativity, innovation and ingenuity when it comes to brownfields redevelopment projects in the great State of Minnesota,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Cathy Stepp. “EPA looks forward to expanding our work with our partners to redevelop brownfields so they can once again be thriving parts of their communities – spurring local economies with jobs and new businesses as well as generating tax revenues and spending.”
“The Duluth Seaway Port Authority is pleased to have been awarded a $300,000 brownfields assessment grant from the EPA with which we can plan cleanup projects on properties for industrial redevelopment,” said Deborah DeLuca, DSPA government and environmental affairs director. “While the funds can be used city-wide, our focus will be on two Target Neighborhoods in the western half of Duluth, where industrial use is consistent with planning efforts: the Rice’s Point/Lincoln Park and Morgan Park/Gary-New Duluth neighborhoods. Expanding the industrial base in Duluth is a vital next step to fostering job growth and bolstering the local and regional economy.”
List of the FY 2018 Applicants Selected for Funding: https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/applicants-selected-fy18-brownfields-assessment-revolving-loan-fund-and-cleanup-grants
For more information on the ARC grants: https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/types-brownfields-grant-funding
For more information on EPA’s Brownfields program: https://www.epa.gov/brownfields
For more information on how Brownfields restoration has positively impacted local economies and the quality of life for neighboring communities: https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/brownfields-success-stories
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