A new report by Mayors Against Illegal Guns reveals a strong connection between weak gun laws and interstate gun trafficking. The report, which examines comprehensive crime gun trace data provided by ATF to Mayors Against Illegal Guns, finds that the states with the weakest gun laws are the top suppliers of the guns recovered in out-of-state crimes and are also the source of a greater proportion of likely trafficked guns. (http://www.mayorsagainstillegalguns.org/html/home/home.shtml)
Crime is another "Community Need" statistic that can be linked to blight, health, and quality of life. Here's another link related to crime - http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/
Good Luck!
Focusing on challenges, stories, and issues important to the redevelopment of Brownfields in the South . http://www.southernbrownfield.com
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Brownfield Grant Writing Tip #32 - Green Corridors
Consider both (1) tying in work that has been done in the private sector along the lines of "greening" the community and (2) linking environmental protection to habitat restoration, watershed protection, and developing "green corridors." For instance, stream design, habitat planning, and monitoring services for relocation of more than 12,000 feet of highly impaired stream at the new Volkswagen Automobile Plant at the Enterprise South Industrial Park was conducted in Chattanooga/Hamilton County, Tennessee. The project creates a "green corridor" that surrounds the 1,200-acre brownfield site that once was a U. S. Army Ammunition Plant. The corridor connects a 40-acre, high quality wetland, a 2,800-acre hardwood forest nature preserve, and several other wetlands via 18,000 feet of stream corridors that are 100-feet wide and planted with only natural vegetation.
A number of years ago the U.S. Government transferred the nearly 1,000-acre property to Hamilton County and the City of Chattanooga. Prior to that, it had been a U.S. Army gunpowder production and storage plant. Converting the site for use as an industrial facility took years of soil and ground water remediation.
In 2002, work began by performing a complete surface waters inventory and threatened & endangered species survey. Streams and wetlands were carefully assessed and characterized so that filling and rerouting that would be necessary for site preparation for a major plant could be performed with the least possible impact to resources.
Resources had been severely impacted by Army activities that dated back to the 1940's, long before the Clean Water Act. The streams were channelized, had large culverts installed, and were generally a mess. It wouldn't be difficult to imagine better water quality. Also, the streams only flowed immediately after rainfall; they were characterized as intermittent streams exhibiting "flash" hydrology in the initial reports.
In the following years, efforts were coordinated to develop mitigation plans for streams and wetlands, as well as to design and engineer the rerouting of more than 15,000 feet of stream. Collaboration between public and private partners was necessary to acquire the necessary 404 and 401 permits so that the aquatic resources could be altered. The alteration comprises one of the largest restoration projects in the history of Hamilton County.
In designing the stream channels, which are forks of Poe Branch in the Fryar Branch-South Chickamauga Creek-Tennessee River watershed, sound Rosgen principles were used, which incorporate sinuosity, bank widths, and riffle-pool-run sequences to maintain a stable channel with minimal erosion. Site work had begun and the stream channels are being relocated and stabilized before the heavy winter rains.
The project will feature a 2,800-acre passive wildlife preserve, 40+ acres of prime wetlands that have been preserved, and wide stream corridors that will virtually result in a ring around the Volkswagen plant through which the abudant dear and other wildlife will roam. For more information, go to http://www.envisionecology.com/about.html.
Good Luck!
A number of years ago the U.S. Government transferred the nearly 1,000-acre property to Hamilton County and the City of Chattanooga. Prior to that, it had been a U.S. Army gunpowder production and storage plant. Converting the site for use as an industrial facility took years of soil and ground water remediation.
In 2002, work began by performing a complete surface waters inventory and threatened & endangered species survey. Streams and wetlands were carefully assessed and characterized so that filling and rerouting that would be necessary for site preparation for a major plant could be performed with the least possible impact to resources.
Resources had been severely impacted by Army activities that dated back to the 1940's, long before the Clean Water Act. The streams were channelized, had large culverts installed, and were generally a mess. It wouldn't be difficult to imagine better water quality. Also, the streams only flowed immediately after rainfall; they were characterized as intermittent streams exhibiting "flash" hydrology in the initial reports.
In the following years, efforts were coordinated to develop mitigation plans for streams and wetlands, as well as to design and engineer the rerouting of more than 15,000 feet of stream. Collaboration between public and private partners was necessary to acquire the necessary 404 and 401 permits so that the aquatic resources could be altered. The alteration comprises one of the largest restoration projects in the history of Hamilton County.
In designing the stream channels, which are forks of Poe Branch in the Fryar Branch-South Chickamauga Creek-Tennessee River watershed, sound Rosgen principles were used, which incorporate sinuosity, bank widths, and riffle-pool-run sequences to maintain a stable channel with minimal erosion. Site work had begun and the stream channels are being relocated and stabilized before the heavy winter rains.
The project will feature a 2,800-acre passive wildlife preserve, 40+ acres of prime wetlands that have been preserved, and wide stream corridors that will virtually result in a ring around the Volkswagen plant through which the abudant dear and other wildlife will roam. For more information, go to http://www.envisionecology.com/about.html.
Good Luck!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Brownfield Grant Writing Tip (SPECIAL NOTICE)!!!!!! - AMENDMENT TO GUIDELINES!!!!
There has been an amendment to the GUIDELINES (http://www.epa.gov/oswer/docs/grants/epa-oswer-oblr-10-09-amend.pdf)
AGENCY: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA)
TITLE: “Proposal Guidelines for Brownfields Assessment Grants”
ACTION: Request for Proposals (RFP) -Amendment 001.
RFP NO: EPA-OSWER-OBLR-10-09
CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE (CFDA) NO: 66.818
SUMMARY: This notice is issued to include new mandatory OMB and EPA clauses; and correct regional office address regarding this Request for Proposals (EPAOSWER-OBLR-10-09).
Accordingly,
A. Section VI, Award Administration Information, (Page 34), is hereby amended to add the following clauses:
VI.F. Sub-Award and Executive Compensation Reporting
Applicants must ensure that they have the necessary processes and systems in place to comply with the sub-award and executive total compensation reporting requirements established under OMB guidance at 2 CFR Part 170, unless they qualify for an exception from the requirements, should they be selected for funding.
VI.G. Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Requirements
Unless exempt from these requirements under OMB guidance at 2 CFR Part 25 (e.g., individuals), applicants must:
If an applicant fails to comply with these requirements, it will, should it be selected for award, affect their ability to receive the award.
VI.H. Unliquidated Obligations
An applicant that receives an award under this announcement is expected to manage assistance agreement funds efficiently and effectively and make sufficient progress towards completing the project activities described in the work-plan in a timely manner. The assistance agreement will include terms/conditions implementing this requirement.
B. Section VII., Agency Contacts, (Page 35), is hereby amended as follows:
1. Under “Regional Brownfields Coordinators” row #2 is revised to read:
REGION & STATES
ADDRESS/PHONE NUMBER
EPA Region 1 Diane Kelley Kelley.Diane@epa.gov
CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT
5 Post Office Square Suite 100, Mailcode: OSRR7-2 Boston, MA 02109-3912Phone (617) 918-1424 Fax (617) 918-1291
C. Except as noted above, all terms and conditions of the original RFP (EPA-OSWEROBLR-10-09) remain unchanged and in full force and effect
AGENCY: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA)
TITLE: “Proposal Guidelines for Brownfields Assessment Grants”
ACTION: Request for Proposals (RFP) -Amendment 001.
RFP NO: EPA-OSWER-OBLR-10-09
CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE (CFDA) NO: 66.818
SUMMARY: This notice is issued to include new mandatory OMB and EPA clauses; and correct regional office address regarding this Request for Proposals (EPAOSWER-OBLR-10-09).
Accordingly,
A. Section VI, Award Administration Information, (Page 34), is hereby amended to add the following clauses:
VI.F. Sub-Award and Executive Compensation Reporting
Applicants must ensure that they have the necessary processes and systems in place to comply with the sub-award and executive total compensation reporting requirements established under OMB guidance at 2 CFR Part 170, unless they qualify for an exception from the requirements, should they be selected for funding.
VI.G. Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Requirements
Unless exempt from these requirements under OMB guidance at 2 CFR Part 25 (e.g., individuals), applicants must:
- Be registered in the CCR prior to submitting an application or proposal under this announcement. CCR information can be found at https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/
- Maintain an active CCR registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or proposal under consideration by an agency, and
- Provide its DUNS number in each application or proposal it submits to the agency. Applicants can receive a DUNS number, at no cost, by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS Number request line at 1-866-705-5711, or visiting the D&B website at: http://www.dnb.com.
If an applicant fails to comply with these requirements, it will, should it be selected for award, affect their ability to receive the award.
VI.H. Unliquidated Obligations
An applicant that receives an award under this announcement is expected to manage assistance agreement funds efficiently and effectively and make sufficient progress towards completing the project activities described in the work-plan in a timely manner. The assistance agreement will include terms/conditions implementing this requirement.
B. Section VII., Agency Contacts, (Page 35), is hereby amended as follows:
1. Under “Regional Brownfields Coordinators” row #2 is revised to read:
REGION & STATES
ADDRESS/PHONE NUMBER
EPA Region 1 Diane Kelley Kelley.Diane@epa.gov
CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT
5 Post Office Square Suite 100, Mailcode: OSRR7-2 Boston, MA 02109-3912Phone (617) 918-1424 Fax (617) 918-1291
C. Except as noted above, all terms and conditions of the original RFP (EPA-OSWEROBLR-10-09) remain unchanged and in full force and effect
Monday, September 27, 2010
Brownfield Grant Writing Tip #31 - Petroleum Brownfield Inventory "Best Practices"
EPA's Office of Underground Storage Tanks published Petroleum Brownfields: Developing Inventories in June 2009 to help states, tribes, local officials, EPA Brownfields grants recipients, and others develop an inventory of petroleum-contaminated brownfields. While it describes all the steps and considerations in creating an inventory of sites from scratch, it also contains a “best practices” section that will help users improve their current inventories. The publication includes links to examples of petroleum brownfield inventories. The guide was developed by drawing upon the experience of EPA’s Brownfield Program and of successful petroleum brownfield inventory projects used in rural, suburban, and urban settings. Creating a list of petroleum-contaminated sites is often a key first step in developing a petroleum brownfield revitalization program. The publication is available at http://www.epa.gov/oust/pubs/pbfdevelopinventories.pdf.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
Brownfield Grant Writing Tip #30 - Florence, AL "Go-By"
Plagiarism is the best form of flattery. Here's a link to Florence, Alabama's Brownfield Assessment Grant. I haven't confirmed whether they received a grant or not, but it's worth a look.
Florence Brownfield Grant
Good Luck!
Florence Brownfield Grant
Good Luck!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Brownfield Grant Writing Tip #29 - EPA Grant Writing Webinar ANYTIME
The September 9th Webinar entitled "FY2011 Brownfield Proposal Guidelines Orientation" sponsored by U.S. EPA Region 5 Brownfield Program has been placed online for viewing ANYTIME at Clu-in. It's been archived so you can download it for viewing when you have the time. It comes as either (1) Powerpoint, (2) MP3, (3), Podcast or (4) viewed through their web site. Take advantage.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Brownfield Grant Writing Tip #28 - Health Monitoring (another point or two)
Up to 10% of your Brownfield Assessment Grant can be used for "Health Monitoring". The guidelines state that "a local government may use up to 10 percent of the grant funds in three ways to develop and implement a brownfields program. These activities may include use of up to 10 percent of its grant funds for: monitoring the health of populations exposed to one or more hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants from a brownfield site; and, monitoring and enforcement of any institutional control used to prevent human exposure to any hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant from a brownfield site. To effectively oversee assessments and cleanups, local governments may use grant funds (subject to the 10 percent limit) for other related program development and implementation activities. Local government applicants may not exceed 10% in total for all three types of activities planned and the budget submitted as part of the proposal should reflect the tasks to be conducted with the 10% of funds."
For rural communities who don't have health data at a neighborhood level (rural communities typically have obesity, diabetes, infant mortality rates on a county basis, not at the neighborhood or small town level), using a portion of the grant to gather (i.e., "health monitoring") the health on that level appears to be a good use of grant funding. I'm not suggesting blood and urine tests, but rather an effort coordinated with the local health department (i.e., another "partner") where the health (e.g., obesity, childhood obesity, diabetes, etc.) is monitored in and around your targeted area.
There are a couple of reasons to do this: (1) collecting information (i.e., "health monitoring") about the health of the citizens in your targeted area can get you an extra point or two; (2) you add another "partner" to the effort by including the local health department, (3) you will have more focused data (i.e., local neighborhood level) on your targeted area; and (4) there may truly be some geospatial correlation associated with pollutants or contaminants. For #3, large urban cities have an advantage when it comes to health data. Most rural communities have health data listed on a countywide basis. If your targeted area is in a rural county, the data that you have (e.g., countywide infant mortality), may not reflect the true "Community Need" that exists for your target area. Collecting this information could help in future grant opportunities.
Good Luck!
For rural communities who don't have health data at a neighborhood level (rural communities typically have obesity, diabetes, infant mortality rates on a county basis, not at the neighborhood or small town level), using a portion of the grant to gather (i.e., "health monitoring") the health on that level appears to be a good use of grant funding. I'm not suggesting blood and urine tests, but rather an effort coordinated with the local health department (i.e., another "partner") where the health (e.g., obesity, childhood obesity, diabetes, etc.) is monitored in and around your targeted area.
There are a couple of reasons to do this: (1) collecting information (i.e., "health monitoring") about the health of the citizens in your targeted area can get you an extra point or two; (2) you add another "partner" to the effort by including the local health department, (3) you will have more focused data (i.e., local neighborhood level) on your targeted area; and (4) there may truly be some geospatial correlation associated with pollutants or contaminants. For #3, large urban cities have an advantage when it comes to health data. Most rural communities have health data listed on a countywide basis. If your targeted area is in a rural county, the data that you have (e.g., countywide infant mortality), may not reflect the true "Community Need" that exists for your target area. Collecting this information could help in future grant opportunities.
Good Luck!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Brownfield Grant Writing Tip #27 - SPECIFIC Support Letters
You're gonna need to get a number of support letters from key stakeholders, and EPA Reviewers will read them and will likely call the citizen/organization to confirm their ROLE. If a support letter is boilerplate, with font size changes for the phrase where organization's name and role are identified, and reads just like the other letters, you're gonna get dinged. Each support letter should be specific.
From the Guidelines - "Provide a description of, and role of, the key community-based organizations involved in your project. These organizations may include, but are not limited to, local citizen or business groups, environmental or civic organizations, educational institutions, and local labor organizations. [Note: Community-based organizations do not include local government departments, the local planning department/district/office, local contractors, the mayor’s office, or other elected officials.] If Community-based organizations do not exist in your area, please provide background affirming the lack of such organizations. Then, demonstrate how the community is engaged and involved in your project, which can be demonstrated by resident support letters, letters to the editor, attendance at public meetings, etc. Attach letters from all community-based organizations mentioned that describe their roles and affirm any referenced commitments."
Good Luck!
From the Guidelines - "Provide a description of, and role of, the key community-based organizations involved in your project. These organizations may include, but are not limited to, local citizen or business groups, environmental or civic organizations, educational institutions, and local labor organizations. [Note: Community-based organizations do not include local government departments, the local planning department/district/office, local contractors, the mayor’s office, or other elected officials.] If Community-based organizations do not exist in your area, please provide background affirming the lack of such organizations. Then, demonstrate how the community is engaged and involved in your project, which can be demonstrated by resident support letters, letters to the editor, attendance at public meetings, etc. Attach letters from all community-based organizations mentioned that describe their roles and affirm any referenced commitments."
Good Luck!
Brownfield Grant Writing Tip #26 - Brownfield Benefits
To help you beef up the "Benefits" criterion, think of the numerous economic, environmental and social benefits that a community can expect upon the assessment and cleanup of brownfields sites. Examples of benefits include (but are not limited to):
Good Luck
- Economic benefits include an increase in local tax base and new job growth. There are numerous tax incentives from both state and local governments available for brownfields projects.
- Environmental/social benefits include: reuse of existing infrastructure, development pressure taken off undeveloped land, prevention of sprawl, cleaner air and reduced natural habitat destruction.
- Up to 33% of assessments conducted with Brownfield’s grants reveal that no clean up is necessary and that the site is ready for development. This quick re-use is good for the developer, the local government who has been losing tax revenue, and the local community who has been living with a potentially toxic site blighting their neighborhood.
Good Luck
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Brownfield Grant Writing Tip #25 - Some Resources & Potential Partners
- Tennessee Health & CE Partnership - http://www.uthsc.edu/CHEER/community-engagement.php
- Tennessee Health - http://www.uthsc.edu/CHEER/documents/2009TennesseeHealthDisparitiesReport.pdf
- Mississippi Employment - http://www.mdes.ms.gov/Home/docs/LMI/Publications/Labor%20Market%20Data/labormarketdata.pdf
- Mississippi Infant Mortality - http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/resources/3109.pdf
- Mississippi Health - http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/29,0,261.html
- Childhood Obesity - http://nschdata.org/Viewdocument.aspx?item=546
- Obesity - http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/trends.html
- Poverty - http://www.ers.usda.gov/Data/povertyrates/
- Rural - http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genInfo.php?locIndex=19991
Good Luck!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Brownfield Grant Writing Tip #24 - Charrettes, charrettes, and more charrettes!
It would be interesting to know whether there is a correlation between the number of times a proposal uses the word "charrette" and the number of points a proposal receives. I'm, of course, saying this tongue-in-cheek; but I would presume that, other than the word brownfield, "charrette" ranks up there in the list of "keywords" that a successful brownfield proposal should have. Maybe a more legitimate study would answer the following question, "how many of the successful proposals last year referred, in one form or another, to the term "charrette".
With DC sending the clear message that "community engagement" is a focal point of this administration's work, the design charrette is clearly something to embrace. Obviously, just throwing in a keyword here and there within your proposal without clearly incorporating the concept into it won't get you very far. However, there are some keywords/key-concepts that you should consider incorporating IF THEY FIT! They include:
Good Luck!
With DC sending the clear message that "community engagement" is a focal point of this administration's work, the design charrette is clearly something to embrace. Obviously, just throwing in a keyword here and there within your proposal without clearly incorporating the concept into it won't get you very far. However, there are some keywords/key-concepts that you should consider incorporating IF THEY FIT! They include:
- Partnerships
- Collaborative problem-solving
- charrettes
- community engagement
- sustainability
- leveraging
- walkable
- green
- community gardens
- watershed
- urban rivers initiative
- environmental justice
- diverse stakeholder groups
- energy efficiency
- renewable energy
- jobs
- jobs
- more jobs
Good Luck!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Brownfield Grant Writing Tip #23 - Why Bother?!?!
So with less than 30 days to go before the deadline, you've downloaded the Guidelines, you've religiously read each and every grant writing tip we've provided, yet you still haven't put pen to paper (or key to word processor). You're now beginning to say things like, "I just don't have enough time," or "we don't have any brownfields," or the classic.... "why bother?"
For the discouraged folks out there, here are some quick bullets offered up by our friends at the KY DEP:
Why a brownfield grant?
•Seed money for a redevelopment program
•Can be part of an incentives package
•Make sites ready for redevelopment
•In the case of company closings, you can immediately assess property risks instead of it being idle for years
•Protect human health and the environment
•Mitigate stormwater issues, alternative energy production, urban gardens
Eligible Assessment Activities
•Inventory of sites
•Characterization of sites-Phase I’s & II’s
•Sampling plans
•Analysis of brownfield cleanup alternatives (ABCA)
•Asbestos surveys
•Community outreach
•Programmatic expenses
•Area wide planning (NEW)
Other things you should know
•Don’t have to own properties
•Target and area
•Can use funds on any property within the boundaries set
•Can apply as a coalition-3 eligible entities-Have to assess at least 5 sites
Good Luck!
For the discouraged folks out there, here are some quick bullets offered up by our friends at the KY DEP:
Why a brownfield grant?
•Seed money for a redevelopment program
•Can be part of an incentives package
•Make sites ready for redevelopment
•In the case of company closings, you can immediately assess property risks instead of it being idle for years
•Protect human health and the environment
•Mitigate stormwater issues, alternative energy production, urban gardens
Eligible Assessment Activities
•Inventory of sites
•Characterization of sites-Phase I’s & II’s
•Sampling plans
•Analysis of brownfield cleanup alternatives (ABCA)
•Asbestos surveys
•Community outreach
•Programmatic expenses
•Area wide planning (NEW)
Other things you should know
•Don’t have to own properties
•Target and area
•Can use funds on any property within the boundaries set
•Can apply as a coalition-3 eligible entities-Have to assess at least 5 sites
Good Luck!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Brownfield Grant Writing Tip #22 - Summary of Changes to 2011 ASSESSMENT Grant Guidelines
Summary of Changes to 2011 Assessment Grant Guidelines
A. Area-Wide Planning (mentioned in several locations)
I.B. Uses of Grant Funds
1. Grant funds may be used for conducting area-wide planning activities within a specific brownfields-impacted area, such as a neighborhood, district, city block or brownfields corridor, that lead to the development of an area-wide plan. Area-wide planning activities may include:
a. Planning to identify potential future uses for brownfields properties. Planning should be to the extent necessary to inform assessment and cleanup decisions, in order to stimulate to the extent necessary to inform assessment and cleanup decisions, in order to stimulate economic development upon completion of the cleanup.
b. Creating a set of area-wide strategies which will help ensure successful assessment, cleanup and reuse of the brownfield site(s) within the brownfields-impacted area.
c. Developing strategies for facilitating the reuse of existing infrastructure.
d. Determining next steps and identifying resources needed to implement the area-wide plan.
V.B.2 Project Description and Feasibility of Success
Under this criterion, proposals will be evaluated based on the feasibility of the project to be funded under this grant. Specifically, proposals will be evaluated on the extent and quality to which the applicant demonstrates a reasonable approach to the project, sufficient resources to complete the project, and a capability to complete the project in a timely manner. Proposals that budget the majority of grant funds for conducting site assessments will be viewed more favorably than those that focus on inventory. For projects that include area-wide planning activities and development of an area-wide plan, at least one brownfields site must be assessed under this grant. For coalitions, you must assess a minimum of five sites under the grant. For coalition projects that include area-wide planning activities and development of an area-wide plan, at least one site must be assessed with each area-wide plan developed. Refer to Section VI.E, Brownfields Programmatic Requirements, to read EPA expectations of projects funded with brownfields assessment grants.
B. HUD/DOT/EPA Partnership
I.D. Livability Principles
On June 16, 2009, EPA joined with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to help improve access to affordable housing, more transportation options, and lower transportation costs while protecting the environment in communities nationwide. It is the goal of this partnership to discourage sprawl and encourage or incentivize location efficient investments, smart growth practices, and green infrastructure development.
As a result of this partnership, a set of guiding livability principles have been developed. The Livability Principles can be found at www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/partnership/index.html#livabilityprinciples and include:
(1) Provide more transportation choices, (2) Promote equitable, affordable housing, (3) Increase economic competitiveness, (4) support existing communities, (5) Leverage federal investment, and (6) Value communities and neighborhoods. EPA recognizes that eligible activities listed in these guidelines advance the partnership’s livability principles.
C. Reporting for Past Grantees
V.B.2.c.i Programmatic Capability
Accomplishments: Describe your success using EPA grant funds to assess, clean up, and redevelop brownfield sites, including whether you reported accomplishments to EPA in ACRES, or alternatively, via the Property Profile Form.
D. Job Training
V.B.3 Community Engagement and Partnerships
Discuss your plan for involving the affected community (e.g., neighborhood organizations, citizens’ groups, borrowers, developers, and other stakeholders) in site selection for assessments, cleanup decisions, or reuse planning, including activities that have already occurred. Describe your plan for communicating the progress of your project to citizens, including plans for communicating in languages commonly used in the community. If a related local job training program(s) (including brownfields job training grantees) exists in your target area, explain any specific efforts that have been made to collaborate and to what extent will these efforts encourage future employment in the local community to address brownfields sites (e.g. use of first source hiring ordinances or agreements, incorporating terms and conditions requiring contractors to hire locally). [Refer to the Brownfields FAQ at http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/proposal guides/FY10_FAQs_v1.pdf for more information on local job training programs.]
A. Area-Wide Planning (mentioned in several locations)
I.B. Uses of Grant Funds
1. Grant funds may be used for conducting area-wide planning activities within a specific brownfields-impacted area, such as a neighborhood, district, city block or brownfields corridor, that lead to the development of an area-wide plan. Area-wide planning activities may include:
a. Planning to identify potential future uses for brownfields properties. Planning should be to the extent necessary to inform assessment and cleanup decisions, in order to stimulate to the extent necessary to inform assessment and cleanup decisions, in order to stimulate economic development upon completion of the cleanup.
b. Creating a set of area-wide strategies which will help ensure successful assessment, cleanup and reuse of the brownfield site(s) within the brownfields-impacted area.
c. Developing strategies for facilitating the reuse of existing infrastructure.
d. Determining next steps and identifying resources needed to implement the area-wide plan.
V.B.2 Project Description and Feasibility of Success
Under this criterion, proposals will be evaluated based on the feasibility of the project to be funded under this grant. Specifically, proposals will be evaluated on the extent and quality to which the applicant demonstrates a reasonable approach to the project, sufficient resources to complete the project, and a capability to complete the project in a timely manner. Proposals that budget the majority of grant funds for conducting site assessments will be viewed more favorably than those that focus on inventory. For projects that include area-wide planning activities and development of an area-wide plan, at least one brownfields site must be assessed under this grant. For coalitions, you must assess a minimum of five sites under the grant. For coalition projects that include area-wide planning activities and development of an area-wide plan, at least one site must be assessed with each area-wide plan developed. Refer to Section VI.E, Brownfields Programmatic Requirements, to read EPA expectations of projects funded with brownfields assessment grants.
B. HUD/DOT/EPA Partnership
I.D. Livability Principles
On June 16, 2009, EPA joined with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to help improve access to affordable housing, more transportation options, and lower transportation costs while protecting the environment in communities nationwide. It is the goal of this partnership to discourage sprawl and encourage or incentivize location efficient investments, smart growth practices, and green infrastructure development.
As a result of this partnership, a set of guiding livability principles have been developed. The Livability Principles can be found at www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/partnership/index.html#livabilityprinciples and include:
(1) Provide more transportation choices, (2) Promote equitable, affordable housing, (3) Increase economic competitiveness, (4) support existing communities, (5) Leverage federal investment, and (6) Value communities and neighborhoods. EPA recognizes that eligible activities listed in these guidelines advance the partnership’s livability principles.
C. Reporting for Past Grantees
V.B.2.c.i Programmatic Capability
Accomplishments: Describe your success using EPA grant funds to assess, clean up, and redevelop brownfield sites, including whether you reported accomplishments to EPA in ACRES, or alternatively, via the Property Profile Form.
D. Job Training
V.B.3 Community Engagement and Partnerships
Discuss your plan for involving the affected community (e.g., neighborhood organizations, citizens’ groups, borrowers, developers, and other stakeholders) in site selection for assessments, cleanup decisions, or reuse planning, including activities that have already occurred. Describe your plan for communicating the progress of your project to citizens, including plans for communicating in languages commonly used in the community. If a related local job training program(s) (including brownfields job training grantees) exists in your target area, explain any specific efforts that have been made to collaborate and to what extent will these efforts encourage future employment in the local community to address brownfields sites (e.g. use of first source hiring ordinances or agreements, incorporating terms and conditions requiring contractors to hire locally). [Refer to the Brownfields FAQ at http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/proposal guides/FY10_FAQs_v1.pdf for more information on local job training programs.]
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Brownfield Grant Writing Tip #21 - FY10 to FY11 Changes
Quick Reference –Changes from FY10 to FY 11 ARC Guidelines
Changes in italics and/or red
Changes to all guidelines
§ Applicants may submit electronically through www.grants.gov
§ 20 page limit for all attachments
§ Notification regarding the 2012 competition from the intro paragraph “Please note that under the 2012 competitions, applicants who have completed area-wide plans may receive additional consideration under the evaluation factors.”
§ Clarified eligibility for hazardous substances funding: “Sites eligible for hazardous substance funding are those sites with presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, contaminants, sites that are contaminated with controlled substances or that are mine-scarred lands.”
§ ALL Applicants are required to answer the sub-criteria Programmatic Capability under programmatic capability and past performance
Describe the management system you will have in place to direct activities under the grant. Include a description of your project manager and staff and a discussion of their expertise, qualifications, and experience. Discuss the means you will use to retain project leadership or recruit qualified staff should employee turnover occur. Describe the system(s) you have in place to acquire additional expertise and resources required to perform the proposed project. If you intend to contract for the necessary expertise, describe the system you have in place to acquire that expertise. Please note you must comply with Section IV.F. [8 points]
§ Language from the ranking criteria: Community Engagement and Partnerships (changes to following ranking criteria in red)
o Discuss your plan for involving the affected community (e.g., neighborhood organizations, citizens’ groups, borrowers, developers, and other stakeholders) in site selection for assessments, cleanup decisions, or reuse planning, including activities that have already occurred. Describe your plan for communicating the progress of your project to citizens, including plans for communicating in languages commonly used in the community. If a related local job training program(s) (including brownfields job training grantees) exists in your target area, explain any specific efforts that have been made to collaborate and to what extent will these efforts encourage future employment in the local community to address brownfields sites (e.g. use of first source hiring ordinances or agreements, incorporating terms and conditions requiring contractors to hire locally).
o Provide a description of, and role of, the key community-based organizations involved in your project. These organizations may include, but are not limited to, local citizen or business groups, environmental or civic organizations, educational institutions, and local labor organizations. [Note: Community-based organizations do not include local government departments, the local planning department/district/office, local contractors, the mayor’s office, or other elected officials.] If Community-based organizations do not exist in your area, please provide background affirming the lack of such organizations. Then, demonstrate how the community is engaged and involved in your project, which can be demonstrated by resident support letters, letters to the editor, attendance at public meetings, etc. Attach letters from all community-based organizations mentioned that describe their roles and affirm any referenced commitments.
Assessment Guidelines
§ Incorporation of Area-wide planning
o On page 6, language from I.B. Uses of funds: “Grant funds may be used for conducting area-wide planning activities within a specific brownfields-impacted area, such as a neighborhood, district, city block or brownfields corridor, that lead to the development of an area-wide plan. Area-wide planning activities may include:
§ Planning to identify potential future uses for brownfields properties. Planning should be to the extent necessary to inform assessment and cleanup decisions, in order to stimulate economic development upon completion of the cleanup.
§ Creating a set of area-wide strategies which will help ensure successful assessment, cleanup and reuse of the brownfield site(s) within the brownfields-impacted area.
§ Developing strategies for facilitating the reuse of existing infrastructure.
§ Determining next steps and identifying resources needed to implement the area-wide plan.”
o On pages 26-27, language from ranking criteria: Project Description and Feasibility of Success (changes in red below)
“Under this criterion, proposals will be evaluated based on the feasibility of the project to be funded under this grant. Specifically, proposals will be evaluated on the extent and quality to which the applicant demonstrates a reasonable approach to the project, sufficient resources to complete the project, and a capability to complete the project in a timely manner. Proposals that budget the majority of grant funds for conducting site assessments will be viewed more favorably than those that focus on inventory. Proposals that budget the majority of grant funds for area-wide planning activities or the development of an area-wide plan will be reviewed more favorably if they plan to conduct assessment activities reported to EPA through the Property Profile Form on at least one or more brownfields sites within the planning area under the grant. Coalition proposals will be viewed more favorably if they budget grant funds to address a minimum of five sites under the grant. If your proposal is focusing primarily on conducting assessments, please describe how the assessment activities are consistent with your community plan. If your proposal is focusing primarily on area-wide planning, please describe the need for creating a community plan and how it will lead to assessment, cleanup and reuse of Brownfields properties.”
Cleanup Guidelines
§ Under the Environmental Assessment Required Threshold Criteria: A phase II environmental assessment must be completed (deleted requirement for a phase I under this threshold criteria only) (language from page 14 of the Cleanup Guidelines)
“Environmental Assessment Required for Cleanup Proposals. A written ASTM E1903-97 or equivalent Phase II site assessment report (a draft report is sufficient) must be completed prior to proposal submission. Equivalent reports would include site investigations or remedial action plans developed for a state cleanup program or Office of Surface Mining surveys for mine-scarred lands. Describe the type of environmental assessments conducted at your proposed site (do not attach assessment reports). Provide the date of the Phase II or equivalent report. Contact your Regional Coordinator listed in Section VII if you have questions.”
RLF Guidelines
§ Under RLF, there will now be up to a 50/50 loan/subgrant split in their proposal (language from page 4 of RLF guidelines)
“An RLF grant recipient must use at least 50 percent of the awarded funds to capitalize and implement a revolving loan fund. An RLF grant recipient may use no more than 50 percent of the awarded funds for subgrants and may not subgrant to itself. The RLF grant recipient may subgrant to other coalition members. While no more than 50% of the funding can be used for subgrants, recipients may request EPA (post-award) on a case-by-case basis to waive the subgrant limitation. Based on the justification for why additional subgrant capacity is needed, EPA will consider waivers of this requirement. RLF funds must be used by the recipient to provide loans or subgrants for the cleanup of eligible brownfields sites and for eligible programmatic costs for managing the RLF.”
Changes in italics and/or red
Changes to all guidelines
§ Applicants may submit electronically through www.grants.gov
§ 20 page limit for all attachments
§ Notification regarding the 2012 competition from the intro paragraph “Please note that under the 2012 competitions, applicants who have completed area-wide plans may receive additional consideration under the evaluation factors.”
§ Clarified eligibility for hazardous substances funding: “Sites eligible for hazardous substance funding are those sites with presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, contaminants, sites that are contaminated with controlled substances or that are mine-scarred lands.”
§ ALL Applicants are required to answer the sub-criteria Programmatic Capability under programmatic capability and past performance
Describe the management system you will have in place to direct activities under the grant. Include a description of your project manager and staff and a discussion of their expertise, qualifications, and experience. Discuss the means you will use to retain project leadership or recruit qualified staff should employee turnover occur. Describe the system(s) you have in place to acquire additional expertise and resources required to perform the proposed project. If you intend to contract for the necessary expertise, describe the system you have in place to acquire that expertise. Please note you must comply with Section IV.F. [8 points]
§ Language from the ranking criteria: Community Engagement and Partnerships (changes to following ranking criteria in red)
o Discuss your plan for involving the affected community (e.g., neighborhood organizations, citizens’ groups, borrowers, developers, and other stakeholders) in site selection for assessments, cleanup decisions, or reuse planning, including activities that have already occurred. Describe your plan for communicating the progress of your project to citizens, including plans for communicating in languages commonly used in the community. If a related local job training program(s) (including brownfields job training grantees) exists in your target area, explain any specific efforts that have been made to collaborate and to what extent will these efforts encourage future employment in the local community to address brownfields sites (e.g. use of first source hiring ordinances or agreements, incorporating terms and conditions requiring contractors to hire locally).
o Provide a description of, and role of, the key community-based organizations involved in your project. These organizations may include, but are not limited to, local citizen or business groups, environmental or civic organizations, educational institutions, and local labor organizations. [Note: Community-based organizations do not include local government departments, the local planning department/district/office, local contractors, the mayor’s office, or other elected officials.] If Community-based organizations do not exist in your area, please provide background affirming the lack of such organizations. Then, demonstrate how the community is engaged and involved in your project, which can be demonstrated by resident support letters, letters to the editor, attendance at public meetings, etc. Attach letters from all community-based organizations mentioned that describe their roles and affirm any referenced commitments.
Assessment Guidelines
§ Incorporation of Area-wide planning
o On page 6, language from I.B. Uses of funds: “Grant funds may be used for conducting area-wide planning activities within a specific brownfields-impacted area, such as a neighborhood, district, city block or brownfields corridor, that lead to the development of an area-wide plan. Area-wide planning activities may include:
§ Planning to identify potential future uses for brownfields properties. Planning should be to the extent necessary to inform assessment and cleanup decisions, in order to stimulate economic development upon completion of the cleanup.
§ Creating a set of area-wide strategies which will help ensure successful assessment, cleanup and reuse of the brownfield site(s) within the brownfields-impacted area.
§ Developing strategies for facilitating the reuse of existing infrastructure.
§ Determining next steps and identifying resources needed to implement the area-wide plan.”
o On pages 26-27, language from ranking criteria: Project Description and Feasibility of Success (changes in red below)
“Under this criterion, proposals will be evaluated based on the feasibility of the project to be funded under this grant. Specifically, proposals will be evaluated on the extent and quality to which the applicant demonstrates a reasonable approach to the project, sufficient resources to complete the project, and a capability to complete the project in a timely manner. Proposals that budget the majority of grant funds for conducting site assessments will be viewed more favorably than those that focus on inventory. Proposals that budget the majority of grant funds for area-wide planning activities or the development of an area-wide plan will be reviewed more favorably if they plan to conduct assessment activities reported to EPA through the Property Profile Form on at least one or more brownfields sites within the planning area under the grant. Coalition proposals will be viewed more favorably if they budget grant funds to address a minimum of five sites under the grant. If your proposal is focusing primarily on conducting assessments, please describe how the assessment activities are consistent with your community plan. If your proposal is focusing primarily on area-wide planning, please describe the need for creating a community plan and how it will lead to assessment, cleanup and reuse of Brownfields properties.”
Cleanup Guidelines
§ Under the Environmental Assessment Required Threshold Criteria: A phase II environmental assessment must be completed (deleted requirement for a phase I under this threshold criteria only) (language from page 14 of the Cleanup Guidelines)
“Environmental Assessment Required for Cleanup Proposals. A written ASTM E1903-97 or equivalent Phase II site assessment report (a draft report is sufficient) must be completed prior to proposal submission. Equivalent reports would include site investigations or remedial action plans developed for a state cleanup program or Office of Surface Mining surveys for mine-scarred lands. Describe the type of environmental assessments conducted at your proposed site (do not attach assessment reports). Provide the date of the Phase II or equivalent report. Contact your Regional Coordinator listed in Section VII if you have questions.”
RLF Guidelines
§ Under RLF, there will now be up to a 50/50 loan/subgrant split in their proposal (language from page 4 of RLF guidelines)
“An RLF grant recipient must use at least 50 percent of the awarded funds to capitalize and implement a revolving loan fund. An RLF grant recipient may use no more than 50 percent of the awarded funds for subgrants and may not subgrant to itself. The RLF grant recipient may subgrant to other coalition members. While no more than 50% of the funding can be used for subgrants, recipients may request EPA (post-award) on a case-by-case basis to waive the subgrant limitation. Based on the justification for why additional subgrant capacity is needed, EPA will consider waivers of this requirement. RLF funds must be used by the recipient to provide loans or subgrants for the cleanup of eligible brownfields sites and for eligible programmatic costs for managing the RLF.”
Monday, September 13, 2010
Brownfield Grant Writing Tip #20 - Poor-mouthing vs. Pride
One of the Criteria for the Brownfield Grant is "Community Need." While most of us like to take pride in our community, for this criterion.... it's time to poor mouth your community. Here is where you talk about obesity, diabetes, poverty and all the other areas that demonstrate the NEED for the grant. Don't let your Chamber of Commerce do the writing for this one. Ministers, social workers, community groups, and health care providers can probably help you with this one. Also, while the overall picture for your city/county may be good, you should really focus your efforts on the neighborhood level to draw some clear distinctions regarding the need for work. You know the areas of town that need the most help. Here is the Community Need Criterion again:
1. Community Need
Under this criterion, proposals will be evaluated based on the quality and extent of the applicant’s description of the health, welfare, environmental, and financial needs of the targeted community as it is affected by the presence of brownfields. Responses should clearly identify the sources of information used in this section. [20 Points]
a. Health, Welfare, and Environment [10 Points]
i) Describe the effect brownfields currently have on your targeted community by providing information on the number and size of the brownfields and the health, welfare, and environmental impacts of these sites. Provide information describing the health and welfare of sensitive populations such as minorities, children, and women of child-bearing age in the targeted community. Provide any information or data showing that residents of the targeted community are disproportionately impacted by environmental problems.
b. Financial Need [10 Points]
i) Describe the economic impact of brownfields on the targeted community. Provide information about that community such as rates of poverty, household income, unemployment rates, or other widely available demographic information that demonstrates the economic needs of the targeted community’s residents. Describe factors such as fiscal condition or population size that limit your ability to draw on other sources of funding for assessment of brownfield sites. If you already have a brownfields grant(s) from EPA, describe why you need additional funding.
Good Luck!
1. Community Need
Under this criterion, proposals will be evaluated based on the quality and extent of the applicant’s description of the health, welfare, environmental, and financial needs of the targeted community as it is affected by the presence of brownfields. Responses should clearly identify the sources of information used in this section. [20 Points]
a. Health, Welfare, and Environment [10 Points]
i) Describe the effect brownfields currently have on your targeted community by providing information on the number and size of the brownfields and the health, welfare, and environmental impacts of these sites. Provide information describing the health and welfare of sensitive populations such as minorities, children, and women of child-bearing age in the targeted community. Provide any information or data showing that residents of the targeted community are disproportionately impacted by environmental problems.
b. Financial Need [10 Points]
i) Describe the economic impact of brownfields on the targeted community. Provide information about that community such as rates of poverty, household income, unemployment rates, or other widely available demographic information that demonstrates the economic needs of the targeted community’s residents. Describe factors such as fiscal condition or population size that limit your ability to draw on other sources of funding for assessment of brownfield sites. If you already have a brownfields grant(s) from EPA, describe why you need additional funding.
Good Luck!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Brownfield Grant Writing Tip #19 - LEED Web Cast - Sep. 30th
BCN Web Cast: LEED for Neighborhood Development- The Connection to Brownfields and Local Governments
Thursday September 30, 2010, 2:00 - 3:30 pm EDT There is no fee for the web cast. Increasingly, brownfield revitalization projects seek to incorporate sustainability beyond the considerable environmental benefit of cleaning up and reusing a previously developed property. One important new tool to use in gauging and certifying sustainability for a project is the LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED ND) rating system, which was launched in 2010 after a three-year pilot phase. Speakers will give an overview of LEED ND and discuss the Local Government Guide for LEED ND. The web cast will also feature a case study of the Tassafaronga Village project, a brownfield revitalization project in Oakland CA. The project's plan was awarded Gold certification under the LEED ND pilot rating system. See more information and register here.
Thursday September 30, 2010, 2:00 - 3:30 pm EDT There is no fee for the web cast. Increasingly, brownfield revitalization projects seek to incorporate sustainability beyond the considerable environmental benefit of cleaning up and reusing a previously developed property. One important new tool to use in gauging and certifying sustainability for a project is the LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED ND) rating system, which was launched in 2010 after a three-year pilot phase. Speakers will give an overview of LEED ND and discuss the Local Government Guide for LEED ND. The web cast will also feature a case study of the Tassafaronga Village project, a brownfield revitalization project in Oakland CA. The project's plan was awarded Gold certification under the LEED ND pilot rating system. See more information and register here.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Brownfield Grant Writing Tip #18 - EPA Region 4 Sponsored Webinar - 9/28 - 1-3PM EDT
EPA Region 4 is holding a Brownfield Grant Writing Tips Webinar on
Tuesday, September 28, 2010 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT.
This webinar will give prospective Brownfield grant applicants and
grant writers an opportunity to understand the FY-2011 Proposal
Guidelines for Brownfield Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup
Grants. Through this training, EPA will provide participants with tips
on writing a winning Brownfield Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, or
Cleanup grant proposal.
The targeted audience includes representatives of eligible Brownfield
applicants, including states, tribes, local governments,
quasi-governmental organizations, and non-profits, as well as grant
writers. Participants should have a basic understanding of Brownfield
sites and of EPA’s Brownfield program. Participants who will benefit
the most from this presentation are those who have read the Proposal
Guidelines and started drafting their proposals. The Proposal
Guidelines can be found at http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/applicat.htm
Register Now! This course is limited to 125 participants. EPA intends
to monitor registration and encourages participants from the same
organization to share a phone line and computer. Please cancel your
registration if your schedule does not permit you to attend. A call-in
number and access code will be emailed to participants prior to the
call.
To register, go to:
http://trainex.org/BF-GWT-Webinar
For questions, please contact:
Olga Perry: 404-562-8534 or via email at perry.olga@epa.gov
Mike Norman: 404-562-8792 or via email at norman.michael@epa.gov
Tuesday, September 28, 2010 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT.
This webinar will give prospective Brownfield grant applicants and
grant writers an opportunity to understand the FY-2011 Proposal
Guidelines for Brownfield Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup
Grants. Through this training, EPA will provide participants with tips
on writing a winning Brownfield Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, or
Cleanup grant proposal.
The targeted audience includes representatives of eligible Brownfield
applicants, including states, tribes, local governments,
quasi-governmental organizations, and non-profits, as well as grant
writers. Participants should have a basic understanding of Brownfield
sites and of EPA’s Brownfield program. Participants who will benefit
the most from this presentation are those who have read the Proposal
Guidelines and started drafting their proposals. The Proposal
Guidelines can be found at http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/applicat.htm
Register Now! This course is limited to 125 participants. EPA intends
to monitor registration and encourages participants from the same
organization to share a phone line and computer. Please cancel your
registration if your schedule does not permit you to attend. A call-in
number and access code will be emailed to participants prior to the
call.
To register, go to:
http://trainex.org/BF-GWT-Webinar
For questions, please contact:
Olga Perry: 404-562-8534 or via email at perry.olga@epa.gov
Mike Norman: 404-562-8792 or via email at norman.michael@epa.gov
Friday, September 10, 2010
Brownfield Grant Writing Tip #17 - The BRAC
Unless you are new to Brownfield Redevelopment or have been locked away in a closet for the past year or so, you've probably noticed a considerable emphasis on "Community Engagement" from EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER). The head of OSWER is Mathy Stanislaus, who was appointed Assistant Administrator for OSWER in April of 2009. Prior to his appointment, Mathy was Co-Founder and Co-Director of New Partners for Community Revitalization, Inc. and served as a Board member of the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance. One of his first major initiatives was the EPA OSWER Community Engagement Initiative (CEI) which was unfolded for public comment (i.e., public engagement) in December 2009.
Given the emphasis on Community Engagement, it might not be a bad idea for you to hold a public meeting NOW with two objectives in mind. First, introduce the concept of brownfield redevelopment to the general public. Most folks have a hard time spelling brownSfield (sp!), so your community needs to be informed about your plans to apply for grant funding and educated about the concept, goals, and benefits. Second, you need to use the public meeting to announce the creation of the Brownfield Resident Advisory Committee (BRAC). Prior to unveiling the BRAC, you should get a really good handle on what the BRAC will do, its power, and expectations. Good community planning (and brownfield redevelopment is essentially community planning) starts from the bottom and works its way up. The people that work and play in the area(s) that your grant will focus on can be your greatest resource or (if done wrong) your greatest threat. Buy-in starts with meaningful involvement. I encourage you to take a gander at what the City of Portland, OR is doing with their BRAC. It involves work and patience, but without grassroots involvement and ultimate buy-in, your great brownfield redevelopment idea ain't worth squat.
Good Luck!
Given the emphasis on Community Engagement, it might not be a bad idea for you to hold a public meeting NOW with two objectives in mind. First, introduce the concept of brownfield redevelopment to the general public. Most folks have a hard time spelling brownSfield (sp!), so your community needs to be informed about your plans to apply for grant funding and educated about the concept, goals, and benefits. Second, you need to use the public meeting to announce the creation of the Brownfield Resident Advisory Committee (BRAC). Prior to unveiling the BRAC, you should get a really good handle on what the BRAC will do, its power, and expectations. Good community planning (and brownfield redevelopment is essentially community planning) starts from the bottom and works its way up. The people that work and play in the area(s) that your grant will focus on can be your greatest resource or (if done wrong) your greatest threat. Buy-in starts with meaningful involvement. I encourage you to take a gander at what the City of Portland, OR is doing with their BRAC. It involves work and patience, but without grassroots involvement and ultimate buy-in, your great brownfield redevelopment idea ain't worth squat.
Good Luck!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Brownfield Grant Writing Tip #16 - Sustainability Toolkit
Building on my last post about Sustainability, here's another resource. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 has released the Sustainable Design and Green Building Toolkit for Local Governments (Toolkit). The Toolkit was developed collaboratively by the Agency’s Regional Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Division and Water Protection Division and Pollution Prevention Office, with support from the EPA Green Building and Smart Growth Programs, the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response’s Innovations Workgroup, and many external partners. The Toolkit is designed to assist local governments in identifying and removing permitting barriers to sustainable design and green building practices. It provides a resource for communities interested in conducting their own internal evaluation of how local codes/ordinances either facilitate or impede a sustainable built environment, including the design, construction, renovation, and operation and maintenance of a building and its immediate site.
The Toolkit contains an Assessment Tool, a Resource Guide, and an Action Plan for implementing changes to the permitting process. The Assessment Tool is designed for local governments to review their permitting process and identify barriers or resistance to sustainable design practices. The Assessment offers a green/yellow/red progress indicator for the user. Green indicates that the community is doing well in encouraging sustainable design through its codes and ordinances. Yellow indicates that there is room for improvement within the existing permitting process. Red indicates that the community may want to identify the cause of the barrier(s) and remove it from the process.
The Resource Guide contains links to existing organizations and documents that will help communities learn more about each category in the Assessment Tool. Additionally, the Resource Guide provides users with information that can aid in making codes and ordinances more compatible or supportive of sustainable design and green building. If green tools or techniques are not permitted or encouraged, this information can help local governments implement changes to allow these techniques.
The Action Plan section will help communities develop their own tailored approach for implementing the necessary regulatory and permitting changes to allow for more sustainable design and green building practices.
The Toolkit can be downloaded at: www.epa.gov/region4/recycle/green-building-toolkit.pdf
The Toolkit contains an Assessment Tool, a Resource Guide, and an Action Plan for implementing changes to the permitting process. The Assessment Tool is designed for local governments to review their permitting process and identify barriers or resistance to sustainable design practices. The Assessment offers a green/yellow/red progress indicator for the user. Green indicates that the community is doing well in encouraging sustainable design through its codes and ordinances. Yellow indicates that there is room for improvement within the existing permitting process. Red indicates that the community may want to identify the cause of the barrier(s) and remove it from the process.
The Resource Guide contains links to existing organizations and documents that will help communities learn more about each category in the Assessment Tool. Additionally, the Resource Guide provides users with information that can aid in making codes and ordinances more compatible or supportive of sustainable design and green building. If green tools or techniques are not permitted or encouraged, this information can help local governments implement changes to allow these techniques.
The Action Plan section will help communities develop their own tailored approach for implementing the necessary regulatory and permitting changes to allow for more sustainable design and green building practices.
The Toolkit can be downloaded at: www.epa.gov/region4/recycle/green-building-toolkit.pdf
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Brownfield Grant Writing Tip #15 - Sustainable Redevelopment Strategies
So, you're sitting there scratching your head, trying to figure out how to address the following criterion to your assessment grant:
4. Project Benefits - Under this criterion, proposals will be evaluated on the extent to which the project’s anticipated outcomes promote general welfare through the improvement of the public health and safety, economy, and environment of the targeted community and how these outcomes will contribute to your overall community “vision” for the revitalization of brownfield sites. Consideration will be given to how public health issues are addressed during the project, the anticipated benefits of redevelopment, and the incorporation of sustainable practices. This criterion is worth 25 points. Of particular concern to you is 4.c and the fact that "sustainable redevelopment" is in bold type.
For some strategies on addressing this item, consider ICMA's newly published report entitled, "Getting Smart about Climate Change," found at : http://icma.org/en/icma/knowledge_network/documents/kn/Document/105215/Getting_Smart_About_Climate_Change
Addressing climate change is a key component of creating more sustainable communities, and smart growth offers practical guidelines for communities looking to develop sustainably: it addresses new growth and development in a way that reduces their impact on the environment and their contributions to global climate change while supporting economic development and social equity–related goals. This report outlines nine strategies for successfully applying smart growth principles to climate concerns on the local and regional levels. Among the nine strategies are:
Good Luck!
4. Project Benefits - Under this criterion, proposals will be evaluated on the extent to which the project’s anticipated outcomes promote general welfare through the improvement of the public health and safety, economy, and environment of the targeted community and how these outcomes will contribute to your overall community “vision” for the revitalization of brownfield sites. Consideration will be given to how public health issues are addressed during the project, the anticipated benefits of redevelopment, and the incorporation of sustainable practices. This criterion is worth 25 points. Of particular concern to you is 4.c and the fact that "sustainable redevelopment" is in bold type.
For some strategies on addressing this item, consider ICMA's newly published report entitled, "Getting Smart about Climate Change," found at : http://icma.org/en/icma/knowledge_network/documents/kn/Document/105215/Getting_Smart_About_Climate_Change
Addressing climate change is a key component of creating more sustainable communities, and smart growth offers practical guidelines for communities looking to develop sustainably: it addresses new growth and development in a way that reduces their impact on the environment and their contributions to global climate change while supporting economic development and social equity–related goals. This report outlines nine strategies for successfully applying smart growth principles to climate concerns on the local and regional levels. Among the nine strategies are:
- Create More Sustainable and Resilient Communities
- Green the Local Economy
- Engage the Community in the Climate Change Planning Process
- Approach Climate Change Planning on a Regional Level
- Address Transportation through Transit-Oriented Development and Complete Streets
- Promote Density through Infill Development and Brownfield Redevelopment
- Adopt Green Building Policies
- Preserve and Create Green Space
- Plan for Climate Adaptation
Good Luck!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Brownfield Grant Writing Tip #14 - Begin With The End In Mind (Part 2)
Particularly as it relates to CLEANUP GRANT Proposals, it is important to consider potential redevelopment plans from the outset of any brownfield project. The redevelopment plan (or lack thereof) will govern most brownfield projects, from the identification of site investigation and cleanup standards and the ability to obtain financing to the ultimate affordability or profitability of the project. Defining and understanding the long-term goals of the brownfields project and the decisions to be made throughout the project is a crucial element in identifying appropriate technologies for site investigation and cleanup. Technology tools, when carefully selected, will assist those responsible for the brownfield project in collecting the data necessary to support such decisions and accomplish the established goals. During the many phases of a brownfield project, it is important to keep in mind that technology options are an effective means of achieving the desired result at a site, rather than an end in themselves. Brownfields projects may be initiated for a number of reasons. A landowner may want to sell a property to a prospective purchaser for development. A municipality may want to clean up a parcel or area that has become an eyesore, create space for business development, or create a park in a disadvantaged area. A local comprehensive plan may call for infill development of a certain type in a brownfield area. The brownfield process will be tailored to the specific end use, if that use is known. For example, if the redevelopment plan calls for the construction of a light industrial facility, it may be appropriate, depending on state and local regulatory requirements, to apply industrial investigation and cleanup standards that are less stringent than those applicable to property that is to be redeveloped for residential use. The standards required will affect every aspect of the project, from its overall cost (which is generally greater as the standards become more conservative) to the applicability of innovative characterization and cleanup technologies. Keep in mind, however, that new information about contamination or cleanup may require that reuse plans be altered; develop flexible plans so that revised cleanup needs can be incorporated into them. If the end use is not known at the beginning of the project, the individuals involved should make every attempt at least to identify the general type of desired development, whether industrial, commercial, or residential or a mixed-use development of some sort. Absent that information, the most conservative assumptions will be made at every stage of the brownfields project, a circumstance that could increase significantly the time and expense of the project and may even make it infeasible.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Brownfield Grant Writing Tip #13 - Begin With The End In Mind (Part 1)
Habit 2 of Stephen Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effective People is "Begin with the end in mind." So, what do you want the brownfield site to be when it is cleaned up? That question may appear a little simple, but think about it for a moment. Is the site--right now--being used as you want it to be, what you dreamed it to be, producing at a level that you always wanted it to do? Be honest. Sometimes people find that the site has liability protection attached to it but still vacant--success that has come at the expense of things that would have created greater long-term value for your site. If your site's ladder is not leaning against the right wall, every step you take gets your site to the wrong place faster.
Habit 2 is based on imagination--the ability to envision in your mind what you cannot at present see with your eyes. It is based on the principle that all things are created twice. There is a mental (first) creation, and a physical (second) creation. The physical creation follows the mental, just as a building follows a blueprint. If you don't make a conscious effort to visualize what the site and what you want it to be, then you empower other people and circumstances to shape your brownfield's end use. Begin with the End in Mind means to begin each day, task, or project with a clear vision of your desired direction and destination for the site, and then continue by flexing your proactive muscles to make things happen.
One of the best ways to incorporate Habit 2 into your brownfield project is to develop a clear Redevelopment Objective for the site. It focuses on what you want the site to be and what you must do. It is your plan for success. It reaffirms what you want the site to be, puts your goals in focus, and moves your ideas into the real world. In an upcoming blog post, we'll discuss the importance of strong, defined leadership for the project. Are you the leader or just the grant writer? It's an important question that will make or break your proposal.
Good Luck!
Habit 2 is based on imagination--the ability to envision in your mind what you cannot at present see with your eyes. It is based on the principle that all things are created twice. There is a mental (first) creation, and a physical (second) creation. The physical creation follows the mental, just as a building follows a blueprint. If you don't make a conscious effort to visualize what the site and what you want it to be, then you empower other people and circumstances to shape your brownfield's end use. Begin with the End in Mind means to begin each day, task, or project with a clear vision of your desired direction and destination for the site, and then continue by flexing your proactive muscles to make things happen.
One of the best ways to incorporate Habit 2 into your brownfield project is to develop a clear Redevelopment Objective for the site. It focuses on what you want the site to be and what you must do. It is your plan for success. It reaffirms what you want the site to be, puts your goals in focus, and moves your ideas into the real world. In an upcoming blog post, we'll discuss the importance of strong, defined leadership for the project. Are you the leader or just the grant writer? It's an important question that will make or break your proposal.
Good Luck!
Brownfield Grant Writing Tip #12 - Community-Based Organizations
The EPA Brownfields Grant Proposal Guidelines require applicants to provide letters of commitment from community-based organizations involved in the applicant's project. Examples of community-based organizations include (but are not limited to): nongovernmental civic and nonprofit organizations such as service clubs, veterans organizations, local universities and community colleges or other education institutions, fraternal orders, youth organizations, watershed protection groups, and faith-based organizations.
Examples of organizations that do not qualify as community based organizations include the mayor’s office or other elected officials or for-profit engineering, law or consulting firms that will compete for contracts to provide the applicant with professional services to carry out its grant.
Please keep in mind that EPA is most interested in the role each organization will play with regard to the proposed project and will not favorably evaluate proposals based on the sheer number of letters submitted. Also, please note that any financial transactions between the applicant and its supporting community based organizations must comply with EPA regulations governing procurement contracts and subgrants.
Examples of organizations that do not qualify as community based organizations include the mayor’s office or other elected officials or for-profit engineering, law or consulting firms that will compete for contracts to provide the applicant with professional services to carry out its grant.
Please keep in mind that EPA is most interested in the role each organization will play with regard to the proposed project and will not favorably evaluate proposals based on the sheer number of letters submitted. Also, please note that any financial transactions between the applicant and its supporting community based organizations must comply with EPA regulations governing procurement contracts and subgrants.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Councilman Installs Solar Panels On House To Support Alternative Energy
While not directly related to brownfields and certainly not southern, Waterford, NY city councilman, Jeffrey M. Smith, is thinking about the big picture when it comes to maximizing city resources, which is in the spirit of brownfield redevelopment. For instance, the Watertown (NY) Daily Times (8/2, Brauchle) reported, "Mr. Smith has pushed an agenda on the council that includes adding green energy to as many municipal projects as will allow it. Solar panels, he said, could be added to the municipal arena roof or the capped landfill (i.e., brownfield renewable energy option), and small turbines could be installed in the Black River at the intake pipe at the water treatment plant and outflow pipe at the sewage treatment plant."
The Watertown (NY) Daily Times further reported, "Most adages about north country weather usually involve snow and sleet, and not, say, sunglasses or air conditioning. Jeffrey M. Smith, however, is trying to use of every minute of sunlight beaming on his house. The Keyes Avenue resident, and city councilman, is installing a solar panel system capable of producing five kilowatts per hour on the roof of his back porch and on his detached garage. Mr. Smith said the total project cost, about $20,000, was lowered by a number of grants." Smith stated that his work "will be complete once an electrician hooks the panels to a new utility meter being installed by National Grid." He also stated, "Since taking office, I've been a proponent of alternative energies...I'm not going to spend taxpayers' money any differently than I'd spend them at my own house." He further plans to install solar panels at his place of work.
The Watertown (NY) Daily Times further reported, "Most adages about north country weather usually involve snow and sleet, and not, say, sunglasses or air conditioning. Jeffrey M. Smith, however, is trying to use of every minute of sunlight beaming on his house. The Keyes Avenue resident, and city councilman, is installing a solar panel system capable of producing five kilowatts per hour on the roof of his back porch and on his detached garage. Mr. Smith said the total project cost, about $20,000, was lowered by a number of grants." Smith stated that his work "will be complete once an electrician hooks the panels to a new utility meter being installed by National Grid." He also stated, "Since taking office, I've been a proponent of alternative energies...I'm not going to spend taxpayers' money any differently than I'd spend them at my own house." He further plans to install solar panels at his place of work.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Brownfield Grant Writing Tip #11 - Demographics
To strengthen the community need criterion for brownfield grants, you should look to cite demographic information that will best describe the challenges of the community being served. You should select the type of demographic information to support your proposal based on your assessment of what information will make the best case that your community needs brownfield funding. Here are some examples:
Health/ Welfare/Environment:
Socio-Economic:
Tools for locating this information for your community:
http://www.Fedstats.gov - This website provides links to all relevant agencies based on your search criteria, such as income, health, labor, education, and crime levels and allows you to search by state as well.
http://www.Census.gov - This website is the home page of the U.S. Census Bureau and provides statistics on economics, employment, health, housing, employment, and other categories. You can search by state, and find detailed reports on each state.
http://www.Factfinder.census.gov - This webpage provides information on a more specific area than Census.gov. You can search by state, but also by zip code to find statistics on your specific community.
Good Luck!
Health/ Welfare/Environment:
- Asthma rates among children
- The incidence of illness amongst the population in contact with the site
- cancer, diabetes, obesity rates in the community
- Health care access
- Teen pregnancy rate
- Number of vulnerable inhabitants (women of childbearing age, children, the elderly)
- Information showing that the targeted community is disproportionately impacted by the environmental issues of the site (e.g. sizes and numbers of brownfield sites, suspected or known level of contamination, past uses of the site etc.)
- Crime rate
- Education levels and other education statistics (e.g. graduation rate, drop out rate)
Socio-Economic:
- Low property values
- Low tax base for the community
- Percentage of the community unemployed/underemployed
- Percentage of the community below the poverty line
- Factors that make leveraging funds for addressing the site difficult
- Percentage of community on welfare
Tools for locating this information for your community:
http://www.Fedstats.gov - This website provides links to all relevant agencies based on your search criteria, such as income, health, labor, education, and crime levels and allows you to search by state as well.
http://www.Census.gov - This website is the home page of the U.S. Census Bureau and provides statistics on economics, employment, health, housing, employment, and other categories. You can search by state, and find detailed reports on each state.
http://www.Factfinder.census.gov - This webpage provides information on a more specific area than Census.gov. You can search by state, but also by zip code to find statistics on your specific community.
Good Luck!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Brownfield Grant Writing Tip #10 - Think Hard about Coalition$
An Assessment Coalition can apply for up to $1M. Before you lick your chops on the $1M, think carefully whether a Coalition is for you. Obviously, there's politics, particularly since you will likely partner with eligible entities that you have something in common with (e.g., geography, corridor, watershed, etc.). Consider whether the link has anything to do with brownfields. In other words, a Coalition centered around "the story" of the corridor of Route 66, has a compelling story behind it (just watch the Disney Movie "Cars" - the first animated Brownfield story). Also, getting greedy may be the one thing to put another competitive proposal ahead of you. If you don't have the projects and budget to match up to more than $200K/$400K Assessment Grant, then think twice. Also, if you are a first time applicant, you may not have the track record. The best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time, so think about the $200K bite.
An Assessment Coalition is comprised of three or more eligible entities described at CERCLA 104(k)(1). The lead coalition member submits a Community-wide Assessment grant proposal on behalf of itself and the other members for assessment work that will be performed within the boundaries of the coalition members. The coalition may request up to $1 million to work on a minimum of five hazardous substance and/or petroleum sites. Eligible entities, including those with existing brownfield grants, are:
Nonprofit organizations are not eligible to apply.
The grant recipient (lead coalition member) must administer the grant, be accountable to EPA for proper expenditure of the funds, and be the point of contact for the other coalition members. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) documenting the coalition’s site selection process must be in place prior to the expenditure of any funds that have been awarded to the lead coalition. It is up to the coalition to agree internally about the distribution of funds and the mechanisms for implementing the assessment work.
Good Luck!
An Assessment Coalition is comprised of three or more eligible entities described at CERCLA 104(k)(1). The lead coalition member submits a Community-wide Assessment grant proposal on behalf of itself and the other members for assessment work that will be performed within the boundaries of the coalition members. The coalition may request up to $1 million to work on a minimum of five hazardous substance and/or petroleum sites. Eligible entities, including those with existing brownfield grants, are:
- state, local and tribal governments, with the exception of certain Indian tribes in Alaska;
- general purpose units of local government, land clearance authorities, or other quasi-governmental entities;
- regional councils;
- redevelopment agencies; and
- states.
Nonprofit organizations are not eligible to apply.
The grant recipient (lead coalition member) must administer the grant, be accountable to EPA for proper expenditure of the funds, and be the point of contact for the other coalition members. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) documenting the coalition’s site selection process must be in place prior to the expenditure of any funds that have been awarded to the lead coalition. It is up to the coalition to agree internally about the distribution of funds and the mechanisms for implementing the assessment work.
Good Luck!
Brownfield Grant Writing Tip #9 - MEANINGFUL Support Letters
Your meat of your Brownfield Grant Proposal is to be 18-pages, period (Follow the Guidelines to the T, on formatting and number of pages, font, etc.). However, you can have some attachments and letters of support (as attachments) are encouraged. Ask for letters of support for other organizations and make sure that they are specific in how they are going to support your project. A boilerplate support letter is easy to get from just about anybody, but they need to describe what the organization will do related to the proposal. In other words, a letter of support from the Albanian Support Group for the Advancement of Paperwork means nothing if the group is not an integral part of the plan. This means homework, and homework that should be done now!
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
EPA Announces Regional Administrator for Region 4
(ATLANTA – Sept. 1, 2010) Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson announced
President Barack Obama's selection of Gwen Keyes Fleming as the Agency's Regional Administrator for EPA's
Region 4. This region encompasses Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Tennessee and 6 Tribal Nations.
"I look forward to working closely with Gwen Keyes Fleming on the many urgent environmental issues we face
throughout the country, and especially along Region 4's Gulf Coast," EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said. "Gwen
is coming on at an exceptionally challenging time. I'm thrilled to have Gwen as part of our leadership team at EPA.
She will certainly play an instrumental role in protecting the health and environment of all those living in the region."
Regional Administrators are responsible for managing the Agency's regional activities under the direction of the EPA
Administrator. They promote state and local environmental protection efforts and serve as a liaison to state and local
government officials. Regional Administrators are tasked with ensuring EPA's efforts to address the environmental
crises of today are rooted in three fundamental values: science-based policies and programs, adherence to the rule of
law, and transparency.
Gwen Keyes Fleming has more than 15 years experience as both a prosecutor and administrator, serving as the
District Attorney for the past five years in Georgia's Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit which encompasses all of Dekalb
County. She is the first African-American and the first woman to have held the District Attorney position. As District
Attorney, she manages more than 165 employees, handling 13,000 felony cases each year with an annual budget of
more than $12 million. In addition, Keyes Fleming has instituted several successful community outreach programs
related to crime prevention on behalf of young women and children, working with vulnerable adults and at-risk
communities. Prior to serving as District Attorney, she served as the elected Solicitor-General handling misdemeanor
crimes and implemented numerous domestic violence prevention initiatives which successfully decreased the rate of
domestic violence deaths in the county. Keyes Fleming obtained her B.S. in Finance from Rutgers University and her
Juris Doctorate from the Emory University School of Law. She has received numerous awards, including the Emory
Law's Distinguished Alumni Award, Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys Leah Ward Sears Award for
Distinction in the Profession in 2010, Atlanta's Top 100 Black Women of Influence in 1999, 2007, 2008, 2009 and
2010, and the Women in the NAACP Award in 2010.
President Barack Obama's selection of Gwen Keyes Fleming as the Agency's Regional Administrator for EPA's
Region 4. This region encompasses Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Tennessee and 6 Tribal Nations.
"I look forward to working closely with Gwen Keyes Fleming on the many urgent environmental issues we face
throughout the country, and especially along Region 4's Gulf Coast," EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said. "Gwen
is coming on at an exceptionally challenging time. I'm thrilled to have Gwen as part of our leadership team at EPA.
She will certainly play an instrumental role in protecting the health and environment of all those living in the region."
Regional Administrators are responsible for managing the Agency's regional activities under the direction of the EPA
Administrator. They promote state and local environmental protection efforts and serve as a liaison to state and local
government officials. Regional Administrators are tasked with ensuring EPA's efforts to address the environmental
crises of today are rooted in three fundamental values: science-based policies and programs, adherence to the rule of
law, and transparency.
Gwen Keyes Fleming has more than 15 years experience as both a prosecutor and administrator, serving as the
District Attorney for the past five years in Georgia's Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit which encompasses all of Dekalb
County. She is the first African-American and the first woman to have held the District Attorney position. As District
Attorney, she manages more than 165 employees, handling 13,000 felony cases each year with an annual budget of
more than $12 million. In addition, Keyes Fleming has instituted several successful community outreach programs
related to crime prevention on behalf of young women and children, working with vulnerable adults and at-risk
communities. Prior to serving as District Attorney, she served as the elected Solicitor-General handling misdemeanor
crimes and implemented numerous domestic violence prevention initiatives which successfully decreased the rate of
domestic violence deaths in the county. Keyes Fleming obtained her B.S. in Finance from Rutgers University and her
Juris Doctorate from the Emory University School of Law. She has received numerous awards, including the Emory
Law's Distinguished Alumni Award, Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys Leah Ward Sears Award for
Distinction in the Profession in 2010, Atlanta's Top 100 Black Women of Influence in 1999, 2007, 2008, 2009 and
2010, and the Women in the NAACP Award in 2010.
Brownfield Grant Writing Tip #8 - TABEZ Webinar - Sept. 8 2PM EDT
On September 8th from 2PM-3:30PM EDT, a webinar will be hosted to step attendees through TAB EZ. TAB EZ is a FREE online tool intended to streamline and simplify the grant writing process when applying for EPA brownfields assessment and cleanup grants. The goal of TAB EZ is to level the playing field for smaller local governments and communities so they may have an increased chance to obtain EPA brownfields grant funds. TAB EZ is very user friendly. It offers helpful hints for addressing proposal requirements, as well as links to additional resources. Multiple participants may work on a proposal, while at the same time all proposals are password protected to prevent unauthorized use.
TAB EZ was developed by the TAB (Technical Assistance to Brownfields communities) program at Kansas State University with funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under cooperative agreement TR83389401.
This webinar will step attendees through TABEZ and explain the use of the tool. Attendees may want to log on to TABEZ before the webcast and follow along using the live tool. TAB EZ is available at http://www.tabez.org
TAB EZ was developed by the TAB (Technical Assistance to Brownfields communities) program at Kansas State University with funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under cooperative agreement TR83389401.
This webinar will step attendees through TABEZ and explain the use of the tool. Attendees may want to log on to TABEZ before the webcast and follow along using the live tool. TAB EZ is available at http://www.tabez.org
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