New round of brownfields grant funding available

THE R.I. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT said $1.25 million is available in matching grant funds to cleanup contaminated properties known as “brownfields.”
THE R.I. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT said $1.25 million is available in matching grant funds to cleanup contaminated properties known as “brownfields.”

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Department of Environmental Management said $1.25 million is available in matching grant funds to cleanup contaminated properties known as “brownfields.”
Request for proposals for the grants opened Aug. 4; deadline for submissions is Oct. 7.
“Cleaning up and redeveloping these properties is a win for our environment, families and economy in Rhode Island,” Gov. Gina M. Raimondo in a statement on Aug. 4. “Over the last year, we’ve invested millions in improving our infrastructure through the brownfields program and catalyzing economic growth. And we’ve created needed jobs for our families. We’re making great strides, but we can’t stop here. I look forward to the projects that result from this grant round.”

In December, $3.7 million in brownfields remediation and economic development fund matching grants were awarded to 14 projects totaling 98 acres. The grants resulted in $418 million in private and other public investments, as well as the estimated support of more than 2,700 jobs. Since 1995, more than 770 brownfields spanning 5,500 acres have been cleaned up in the state, according to DEM.

Rhode Island’s brownfields grant program covers 80 percent of a project’s expenses. Site preparation grants of up to $100,000 are available for properties declared brownfields, but which lack an approved Remedial Action Work Plan; grants of up to $250,000 are available for properties with an approved RAWP and Remedial Approve Letter or Order of Approval through DEM.

“Brownfields are vestiges of Rhode Island’s industrial past. They blight our communities and negatively impact our environment,” DEM Director Janet Coit said in prepared remarks. “Transforming them into cleaner, productive spaces benefits our state and families many times over. And we’re proud of the success we’ve achieved, along with many partners, to address these sites and build beautiful new schools, businesses, homes, solar farms and parks in their place. We look forward to partnering with the successful applicants and continuing this important work for Rhode Island.”

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The Brownfields Remediation and Economic Development Fund was approved with the passage of the 2014 Clean Water, Open Space and Healthy Communities Bond. Five million dollars in brownfields funding is included in the 2016 Green Economy Bond measure which goes before voters in November.

For information or to apply for this grant opportunity, contact Deputy Chief of Waste Management Matthew DeStefano at matthew.destefano@dem.ri.gov. Electronic applications are encouraged; however, proposals may also be mailed to the DEM Permit Application Center, 235 Promenade St., Second Floor, Providence, R.I., 02908. Government and nonprofit agencies, along with private/non-government entities, are eligible to apply. Selection of sites will be determined on a competitive basis.

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