Macomb County issued the following announcement on May 7.
The Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development has been awarded $300,000 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assess brownfield sites in the county.
A brownfield is defined by the EPA as a site where redevelopment, reuse or expansion is complicated by the presence or perceived presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant. Redevelopment of such properties helps to create jobs while taking full advantage of existing infrastructure such as roads, sewer and utilities. Redeveloping brownfields also reduces pressure to develop open space.
"Macomb County is pleased to accept this award to assist in the redevelopment of idled properties throughout our community," said County Executive Mark A. Hackel. "The grant will be used to inventory and prioritize current sites; engage the community in planning activities; conduct site assessment for properties with the greatest potential for transformative change; and assist in the development of site-specific cleanup plans."
The next step is to assemble a work plan with the EPA. Upon its approval, the department will outline the program for local officials and developers and begin the process of identifying priority sites and viable projects.
Awarded as part of a competitive process, Macomb County received one of 155 grants totaling $65.6 million for communities and tribes nationwide.
Since 2005, Macomb County Planning and Economic Development has been awarded $1.6 million in EPA grants. These include two previous assessment grants equaling $600,000 and a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) grant of $1 million. The assessment grants were utilized to provide a total of 30 site assessment projects, which ultimately created or retained more than 3,000 jobs and added more than $170 million in investment. Funds from the EPA RLF were utilized for the cleanup and redevelopment of a former unlicensed landfill on the banks of the Clinton River in the city of Utica. Combined with state, local and private funds, the now thriving Jimmy John’s Field features the 4,500 seat home of the United Shores Professional Baseball League and hosts multiple community events throughout the year.
Original source can be found here.
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