EPA Announces Brownfields Grants

Press release:

MEDIA CONTACT:   Francisco Arcaute, 312-886-7613,   312-898-2042 Cell,  arcaute.francisco@epa.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                    No. 12-OPA69

EPA Announces Brownfields Grants

MADISON (August 21, 2012) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Susan Hedman today announced EPA brownfields grants totaling $800,000 to clean up contaminated properties in Madison, Wisconsin.
Hedman joined Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp and Madison Mayor Paul Soglin at a brownfield site on East Washington Avenue for the announcement. The City will use these funds to assess and clean up contaminated former industrial and commercial properties.
"EPA brownfield grants help to revitalize neighborhoods and create jobs,” said EPA Regional Administrator Susan Hedman. “Cleaning up contaminated brownfield sites protects public health and fuels economic development.”
“As the city works to develop brownfield sites throughout the Isthmus area, a partnership with the federal and state government is very instrumental,” said Mayor Soglin. “I am so pleased that the Environmental Protection Agency and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources understand the importance of these projects, and I welcome EPA Regional Administrator Susan Hedman to Madison.”
“It’s easy to see how these brownfield projects are win-wins for everyone involved,” said DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp.  “We’re excited to watch this project grow to completion, and with DNR’s commitment to environmental cleanup and economic revitalization, we look forward to continued success in the brownfields arena.”
The grants include:

• $400,000 to clean up a former automotive sales and repair site on East Washington Avenue. The City will provide another $80,000 toward the cleanup.
• $400,000 to conduct environmental assessments and plan future cleanups in the surrounding area.

The City of Madison previously received a $400,000 cleanup grant for the East Washington property from WDNR’s brownfield revolving loan program, which is also funded by EPA.
There are an estimated 450,000 brownfield sites in the United States. EPA brownfield grants have been used to clean up over 700 contaminated sites and to assess over 18,000 properties, primarily in low-income areas disproportionately impacted by environmental contamination.
See list of all EPA brownfields grants by state: http://cfpub.epa.gov/bf_factsheets/

More information on EPA’s brownfields program: www.epa.gov/brownfields/

More information on brownfields success stories: www.epa.gov/brownfields/success/index.htm

Green Streets, Jobs, & Towns Grants Available

News release from EPA:

Green Streets-Green Jobs-Green Towns Grants Available to Improve Chesapeake Bay Water Quality, Cities, and Towns

                                                                                 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 Contact: Molly Alton Mullins 410.974.2941, Ext. 107  

EPA: Terri White 215-814-5523 white.terri@epa.gov

                                                                                          

(ANNAPOLIS, Md. – February 8, 2012) Today the Chesapeake Bay Trust, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the state of Maryland unveiled an expanded Green Streets-Green Jobs-Green Towns grant initiative to help cities and towns in the Chesapeake Bay watershed accelerate greening efforts that improve watershed protection, community livability, and economic vitality. Building on the success of the initial round of grants, this public-private partnership will award more than $400,000 in 2012, double the funding from 2011.

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“To meet tomorrow’s challenges, we need to apply cost-effective solutions for improving the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the economy of our communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “Green streets and green infrastructure are investments that create jobs and save money while also providing multiple environmental and quality of life benefits. By helping towns accelerate their local greening efforts, we’re moving ahead in creating an America built to last.”

At a roundtable meeting today in Forest Heights, Md., Garvin heard from a group of mayors whose towns were Green Streets-Green Jobs grant recipients last year. The mayors discussed best practices and lessons learned in developing green infrastructure and green streets, focusing on economic development, energy efficiency and building sustainable communities.

The grant program is open to local governments and non-profit organizations in urban and suburban watersheds in the Chesapeake Bay region of Maryland, D.C., Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia who are interested in pursuing green streets, green infrastructure, and green jobs as part of their community or watershed planning.

Grant assistance up to $35,000 is available for infrastructure project planning and design, and up to $100,000 for implementation and construction. The strongest proposals will incorporate innovative green infrastructure and best management practices that maximize cost-effectiveness.

Projects selected will enhance sustainable watershed protection and green infrastructure stormwater management through low impact development practices, renewable energy use, local livability and green job creation. The request for proposals is available at www.cbtrust.org with a deadline of March 9, 2012 for all applications.

“Many small to mid-sized communities around the Chesapeake Bay watershed are looking for ways to boost local economies while also protecting water resources and expand greening efforts,” said Allen Hance, executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Trust. “Building green streets and urban green infrastructure projects marry three important issues that these towns face: jobs, livability, and the environment.”

In April 2011, the Chesapeake Bay Trust announced the first-ever grant recipients of this Green Streets-Green Jobs partnership. In total, 10 cities and towns were awarded $25,000-$35,000 grants to fund the planning and design of green infrastructure projects within the Chesapeake Bay and Anacostia watersheds.

“We have seen demand for green infrastructure funding accelerate as more and more jurisdictions understand the connection between green development and economic improvement,” said John R. Griffin, secretary of Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources. “These projects will stimulate the green jobs market and enable families to work where they live and play while also empowering communities to gain better access to restoration resources that support Chesapeake Bay protection.”

The Green Streets-Green Jobs-Green Towns Initiative, administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, supports President Obama’s Executive Order for Protecting and Restoring the Chesapeake Bay through the creation of “green streets.”

The Chesapeake Bay Green Streets- Green Jobs-Green Towns Academy will also host a webinar: “Tools for Greening Chesapeake Bay Communities”

1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 15. To register visit: http://mp118885.cdn.mediaplatform.com/118885/ml/mp/4000/5345/5417/12575/Lobby/default.htm

For more information on the Green Streets grant program please visit cbtrust.org.

Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Port Arthur, TX

From EPA Region 6:

Port Arthur is Among Recipients of $750,000 in

Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA

(DALLAS – February 3, 2012) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today named 56 communities in 26 states that will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. Port Arthur, Texas, is one of the communities selected to receive assistance from EPA-funded private-sector experts. The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life. Some examples may include improving pedestrian access and safety, incorporating green infrastructure, or conducting an economic and fiscal health assessment.  

 

Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently. The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

 

Port Arthur is receiving assistance in the development of a walking audit, which will help form a vision for short- and long- term improvements to sidewalks and streets.

Today’s announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. EPA selected the 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

 

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

More about activities in EPA Region 6 is available at http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html

EPA audio file is available at http://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/feb2012.html

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Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Corpus Christi

From EPA Region 6:

Corpus Christi is Among Recipients of $750,000 in Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA

(DALLAS - February 3, 2012) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today named 56 communities in 26 states that will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. Corpus Christi, Texas, is one of the communities selected to receive assistance from EPA-funded private-sector experts. The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life. Some examples may include improving pedestrian access and safety, incorporating green infrastructure, or conducting an economic and fiscal health assessment.  

 

Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently. The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

 

Corpus Christi is receiving assistance in the development of a walking audit, which will help form a vision for short- and long- term improvements to sidewalks and streets.

Today’s announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. EPA selected the 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

More about activities in EPA Region 6 is available at http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html

EPA audio file is available at http://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/feb2012.html

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Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Baton Rouge

From EPA Region 6:

Baton Rouge is Among Recipients of $750,000 in Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA

(DALLAS - February 3, 2012) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today named 56 communities in 26 states that will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is one of the communities selected to receive assistance from EPA-funded private-sector experts. The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life. Some examples may include improving pedestrian access and safety, incorporating green infrastructure, or conducting an economic and fiscal health assessment.  

 

Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently. The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

 

Baton Rouge is receiving assistance in the development of parking audits, which help the city manage parking supply and apply strategies for making the best use of parking for existing and planned land uses.

Today’s announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. EPA selected the 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

More about activities in EPA Region 6 is available at http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html

EPA audio file is available at http://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/feb2012.html

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Corps Discusses Environmental, Economic Benefits of Restoration

News Release from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:

Corps discusses environmental, economic benefits of restoration at Everglades Coalition Conference Posted 1/20/2012 By Jenn Domashevich Jacksonville District STUART, Fla. -- Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District spoke at the 27th Annual Everglades Coalition Conference, Jan. 5-8, 2012, in Stuart, Fla., the largest annual forum for discourse on Everglades restoration and conservation. This year's theme was "Everglades Restoration: Worth Every Penny," and much discussion was driven around the environmental and economic benefits of restoration. Stu Appelbaum, chief of Jacksonville District's Planning and Policy Division, spoke as a panelist on the "Expediting Return on Restoration Investments through the Central Everglades Planning Process" plenary session Jan. 6. The panel's discussion was primarily focused on the Central Everglades Planning Project, which has set a goal to deliver within two years a finalized plan, known as a Project Implementation Report, for a suite of restoration projects in the central Everglades in preparation for congressional authorization as part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). The Corps is leading this planning effort in partnership with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). "I have heard concerns about the fast pace of this project and if you can keep up with us," said Appelbaum in regards to the Central Everglades Planning Project. "Yes, you can. We want you to keep up with us and we want you to stay involved. We invite you to be a part of the process with us." The panel included Terrence "Rock" Salt, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works; Herschel Vinyard, Secretary of the Florida Department Environmental Protection; Shannon Estenoz, Director of Everglades Restoration Initiatives for the Department of the Interior; and Melissa Meeker, Executive Director of the SFWMD. "One thing I learned from my boss is if you get the planning right, the money will follow," said Salt. "If it's the right thing to do and we're moving forward, the money will be there." Similar thoughts were expressed by Jo-Ellen Darcy, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, as she spoke during a lunch session Jan. 6. "Together, with our partner, the South Florida Water Management District, we're going to have more action and less paper pushing," Darcy said as she referenced the Central Everglades Planning Project. "I am proud to say that the study's scoping process is on track and will be completed by the end of the month. I hope to be invited here again next year so I can come back with the draft PIR (Project Implementation Report) in hand for the central Everglades." During the conference, Darcy was presented with the James D. Webb Award for ushering in a new realm of consistent progress in Everglades restoration. "She has provided guidance, inspiration and leadership for so many people in this room, and for that we thank you," said Julie Hill-Gabriel, State Everglades Coalition Co-Chair, who presented the award along with Dawn Shirreffs, National Everglades Coalition Co-Chair. Also recognized during the conference was Jacksonville District Commander Col. Alfred Pantano, Jr., who received the Bill Sadowski Award on behalf of 1000 Friends of Florida in recognition of outstanding and distinguished service to the state of Florida, the Everglades and its restoration. Nathaniel Reed, Vice Chairman of the Everglades Foundation, presented Pantano with the award on behalf of 1000 Friends, where he serves as chairman emeritus and founder. Reed had also expressed his gratitude to Pantano during an earlier conference session. "What can we say to a friend, a dynamic man, who attracted a superb staff to work with him," Reed said. "We say thank you for your time, energy, perception and leadership." Pantano served as a panelist during the "Managing Lake Okeechobee for Shared Prosperity: Who Gets What, When, and How Much" panel Jan. 7, which discussed what can be done to share Lake Okeechobee's prosperity. "I do believe as Americans, we need to get real about fresh water," said Pantano. "Water is our most precious resource. You all have a responsibility to tighten up your views and your culture of the lake. Don't get consumed by small battles and lose sight of the bigger goal." The panel included Dr. Paul Gray, Lake Okeechobee Watershed Program Science Coordinator of the Audubon of Florida; Irene Kennedy Quincy, partner at Pavese Law Firm; Rae Ann Wessel, Natural Resource Policy Director of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation; and Mary Ann Martin, owner of Roland and Mary Ann Martin's Marina and Resort. "Conservation is critical. If the lake's not healthy, the rest of the system is not going to be healthy. It's that simple," said Wessel. "It's not that we don't have enough water, it's that we're not sharing it nicely." Additional discussions focused on how to maximize project benefits and continue much-needed momentum to keep restoration benefits moving forward by operating projects at their full potential in the "Operating Projects to Benefit Southern Estuaries" breakout session Jan. 7. In this session, Howard Gonazales, chief of the Ecosystem Branch, served as a panelist. "We're really out ahead in regards to adaptive management," said Gonzales. "We are already putting these items into effect, which allows us to have project monitoring in place. We are monitoring everything from water quality to ecology to confirm that projects are performing the way they need to perform." Also serving as a panelist at this year's conference was Tori White, deputy chief of the Regulatory Division, who spoke during the "Restoration in Lean Times: Doing More with Less" breakout session Jan. 7, which discussed how to get ecosystem restoration projects built in light of state and federal cutbacks. "When determining appropriate compensatory mitigation, pursuant to our regulations, the Corps can consider whether a proposed mitigation project for ecosystem restoration, such as a CERP component, is environmentally preferable and would have a higher likelihood of ecological success and sustainability than mitigation at a federally-permitted mitigation bank or in lieu of fee," said White. "If CERP identified land is determined to be the most appropriate compensation, the permit's special conditions will provide for appropriate monitoring and maintenance in the interim if and until incorporated into a federal project. The permit condition must also clearly state that such land or mitigation cannot be used as local sponsor credit or in-kind contribution toward the federal project since that would constitute supplanting of ecological credits required for another purpose."