Laurel awarded $400,000 Brownfields Grant from EPA
Posted on: May 29, 2014
Laurel selected as one of 5 cities in Mississippi
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) selected the City of Laurel for two brownfields assessment grants, totaling $400,000. Petroleum and community-wide hazardous substances grant funds will be used to conduct environmental site assessments. Grant funds also will be used to conduct area-wide and cleanup planning, monitor health risks to sensitive populations, and support community outreach activities.
What is a Brownfield?
Real property, the expansion, redevelopment or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Some brownfield sites are large former industrial sites, but the majority of the estimated 500,000 – 1,000,000 brownfield sites in the United States are small vacant lots or gas stations. Brownfields involve real or perceived environmental contamination.
What can you do with a brownfield?
- Economic reuse
- Neighborhood improvements
- Create parks and walking trails
- Develop new housing
- Expand transportation options
- Joint public private investment ( i.e. Tupelo Fairgrounds)
- New community health center
- Expand adjacent business
- Many other uses
What are the benefits of Brownfield Revitalization?
- Increases local tax base
- Promotes jobs
- Utilizes existing infrastructure
- Brings real estate back into productive use
- Prevents sprawl
- Supports cleaner air
- Reduces environmental and health risks
- Improves quality of life and preserves cultural values