EPA Reaches Agreement with Flint Commerce Center LLC Regarding Redevelopment of Portion of Former Buick City Site in Flint, Michigan
CHICAGO (November 1, 2023) – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced an agreement that will allow Flint Commerce Center LLC to purchase and redevelop roughly 330 acres of the former Buick City manufacturing facility, located at 92 East Leith Street in Flint, Michigan. The agreement reflects EPA’s priorities of encouraging the revitalization and reuse of properties across the country.
The agreement clarifies Flint Commerce Center’s environmental liabilities and obligations in regard to the proposed construction of buildings suitable for warehousing, distribution, and light manufacturing. Before finalizing the agreement, EPA held a 30-day public comment period. A public meeting was held in August and the comment period was extended. EPA received comments during the comment period and decided not to modify or withdraw its consent to the agreement.
The Buick City site was once part of the operations of the former General Motors Corp. In June 2009, the company filed for Chapter 11 reorganization bankruptcy. In March 2011, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court approved the plan of liquidation. On the effective date of the plan, 89 sites were placed into an environmental response trust, which became known as the RACER Trust. RACER works with federal and state environmental agencies to address contamination at each property, including Buick City. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy is the lead agency overseeing RACER’s work at the site and has entered into a separate agreement with Flint Commerce Center. EPA is the support agency and will also conduct oversight of RACER’s work at the site.
More information on the Buick City facility is available on EPA's website.
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