The area-wide planning approach will enhance EPA’s core brownfields assistance programs through a locally-driven planning process that results in an action strategy for brownfields redevelopment. The BF AWP program is intended to further community-based partnership efforts, especially those within under-served or economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Municipalities and non-profits may confront local environmental and public health challenges related to brownfields, while creating a planning framework to advance economic development and job creation.
While traditional brownfields grants are site-specific, this Area Wide Planning approach allows municipal staff to think more broadly about vacant lands and brownfields as part of a neighborhood revitalization plan. Although the funds are exclusively devoted to planning activities, there is a strong emphasis on establishing near-term priorities to pursue via immediate implementation steps. In effect, it is an action plan that allows cities to immediately get to work in transforming these vacant spaces into contributing places. As a Partnership for Sustainable Communities grant, the plan implementation also has the support of other federal agencies, most notably HUD and DOT.
Fact Sheet
EPA recently posted a new fact sheet on Brownfields Area-Wide Planning: http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/areawide_grants.htm.
BF AWP grant talking points and timeline:
- EPA grant program to provide planning assistance (not for site assessment or cleanup)
Assistance given for:
- - advancing an ongoing local planning process,
- - developing a brownfields area-wide plan, and
- - identifying next steps and resources needed to implement the plan
Brownfields Area Wide Planning is a unique approach to older, industrial neighborhoods because:
- Multiple sites are often connected through infrastructure and location
- Area revitalization is critical to the successful long-term reuse of the property
- Approaching assessment and cleanup for an area can be more effective than a site-by-site focus
- Leveraging local/state/federal funding will help communities revitalize contaminated sites
Summary of pilot program (FY 2010) grantees:
- Planning areas consist of waterfronts, downtown areas and neighborhoods, commercial corridors, old industrial areas, etc – mix of rural and urban communities
- FY10 competition held; 23 pilots selected
- Each grant award is up to $175,000 (Next funding round will allow up to $200K)
- Awarded to 16 local governments, 6 non-profits, and 1 tribe
- Grantees can choose to contract with consultants, non-profits, or complete the planning activities in-house
- As an example, latest information on the efforts in Goshen, IN available at: http://www.development-concepts.com/goshen/.
Anticipated EPA Grant Competition Timeline:
- Mid-September 2012 – Brownfields Area Wide Planning Requests for Proposals
- Mid-November 2012 – Proposal Submission Deadline
- Spring 2013 – Approx. $5 million to be awarded nationwide
- Application to be posted on Brownfields website: http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/applicat.htm