Press Releases
09/26/2018
Governor Malloy Announces Opportunities To Remediate And Revitalize Brownfields In Connecticut
State Accepting Applications for Latest Round of Grants under the Connecticut Brownfield Remediation Program through Oct. 31
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) is now accepting applications from municipalities and economic development agencies for its 12th round of competitive grant funding as part of the state’s Brownfield Remediation Program. The initiative provides opportunities to investigate, clean up, and revitalize blighted properties that have fallen into disrepair and puts them back into productive use in ways that benefit local economies.
To date, the state has invested $223 million in more than 246 old or vacant factories, mills, warehouses, and other contaminated sites and structures under the program. This latest round will see an investment of up to $4 million for remediation projects, and up to $1 million of that amount will be reserved specifically for assessment projects.
“We have made brownfield remediation and redevelopment an important part of our economic development agenda because of its environmental, economic, community, and fiscal benefits,” Governor Malloy said. “Connecticut is a leader in unlocking the potential of brownfields and repurposing these properties so that they no longer drain local resources but add value and boost local economies.”
Municipalities and economic development agencies are eligible to request funding of up to $1 million for individual remediation projects and up to $200,000 for assessment projects. Awards may be used for a range of brownfield assessment, remediation and redevelopment activities, including abatement, demolition, site investigation and assessment, groundwater monitoring, installation of institutional controls, and professional service fees associated with redevelopment including attorney’s fees, and planning, design and consulting fees.
“DECD, working in close collaboration with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, continues to be a proactive partner with municipalities, helping them realize their visions for transforming dormant properties into productive assets,” DECD Commissioner Catherine Smith said.
“Cleaning up and redeveloping brownfields is a win for the environment and for the economy” Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Rob Klee said. “Investing in brownfields transforms blighted properties throughout the state from a burden and a threat to human health and the environment to an asset that makes those communities stronger, safer, and healthier. Brownfield locations are also the wise choice for development and growth, as these properties and the surrounding areas have had significant infrastructure investments in water, sewer, transportation, and energy. DEEP is proud to continuing working with DECD and our municipal partners on these important projects. ”
All projects will be rated and ranked by an inter-agency committee on the following criteria:
- Applicant/municipal financial need;
- Remediation/cleanup (or assessment) project feasibility;
- Redevelopment project feasibility;
- Redevelopment project economic and community impact;
- Responsible growth and livability initiatives; and
- Applicant capacity and experience.
Application information can be downloaded online at www.ct.gov/ctbrownfields. All applications must be submitted via email to brownfields@ct.gov no later than Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 3:00 p.m.
##
For Immediate Release:
September 26, 2018
Contact:
Leigh Appleby
Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy
Leigh.Appleby@ct.gov
860-524-7337 (office)
860-818-1824 (cell)
Contact:
Jim Watson
Department of Economic and Community Development
Jim.Watson@ct.gov
860-500-2482 (office)
860-306-3737 (cell)